Kingswood College came from a goal down to defeat St.Joseph’s College 2-1 and book a place in the quarter finals from group B, of the Kotmale Chox Schools U19 Football Championship.
Kingswood prevailed against Joes under blistering weather conditions, although the Josephians took an early lead in the first half, the visitors were not let down and went on to win guided by Shamil Hilmy, Abdul Qadir and some brilliant stops from goalkeeper B.Wijerathna.
It was a bright and sunny afternoon as both teams fought to gain control of the match early on but no team was successful in doing so.
Photo Album – St.Joseph’s College v Kingswood College – Schools Football 2015
It was a highly competitive field with top quality football and fair play. As the match progressed, the boys from Darley Road were getting a bit more in command of the game and Ashen Malinda found himself with a golden opportunity – one on one battle with B. Wijerathna. Unfortunately, Malinda missed the shot by a long range pulling too far to the right.
Kingswood had some daring chances to score too; one of them being the high header from Abdul Qadir who missed the goal that time but went on to play a marvelous match later on.
Just when Kingswood was lining up for another attack, Charaka Udayanga, midfielder of St.Joseph’s slyly stole the ball for a solo performance and went on to scoring the first goal of the match.
This goal was the motivation Kingswood needed for a strong comeback and they found it with D. Pathirana’s flying kick that blinded the Joes goalkeeper.
It was a perfect finish in line with technique and Sheyanka Kurumbalapitiya – St.Joseph’s College goalkeeper- was too close to Pathirana for quick reflexes and was left helpless as Kingswood equalized.
A pumped up Kingswood team and a stunned Joseph’s team went into the changing rooms as the referee called half time.
Second half proved to be even fiercer than the first as both teams fought hard for a final and winning goal.
Kingswood had the upper hand as their strategy seemed to be to jolt at every chance they got, which in the end worked in their favor. Shamil Hilmy winning and scoring a penalty in the 63rd minute of the match was enough to send the Josephians packing.
Special mention must be made of the Kingswood College goalkeeper B. Wijerathna who may have won the game for them by stopping some very dangerous attempts on goal by the Josephians.
Even those the Kingswood defense line was beaten many times by the Josephian attackers, Wijerathna guarded the goal with great skill and bravery.
ThePapare.com Man of the Match: B.Wijerathna
