Police FC falls short yet again in a closely contested encounter, as Crystal Palace get a 2-1 win at Police Park.
At the beginning of the match Police captain Kumara Lankeshwara stated that they are confident about this match even though they are behind in the points table. Crystal Palace on the other hand after a shameful defeat at Longdon Place last week was eager to get back on track.
Possession in the first half was pretty much equal. Isaac Aba and Mohommad Shifan the two forwards of Crystal Palace were working in tandem creating many chances but were unable to finish it.
On the other hand Crystal Palace defense was lacking co-ordination as they conceded a penalty in the 21 minute which was successfully taken by Rajitha Jayavilal. At the other end Police wasn’t really organized as they too conceded a penalty in the 40th minute which was successfully taken by Isaac Aba. First half ended at 1-1.
Through out the whole match there were three players who made the difference in the game. One played as a defender the other as midfielder and the other as forward. They were the Nigerian trio of Isaac Aba as forward, E. F. Kenneth as midfielder and Mark Nwachin as defender.
These three played a different ball game. The understanding among these three players were just outstanding. Amidst all the boos from the crowd they played and outstanding game.
Isaac Aba scored the game changing goal at the 78th minute as the crowd looked on in dismay. Police boys didn’t give up
easily, they got so close when Sampath Pathirana crossed the ball towards the penalty box and Chandima Ratnayake headed the ball which found the top bar. They knew it was their only chance. At the final whistle score line stood at 2-1, Crystal Palace winning.
