The third week of the Dialog Champions League ended without much upsets as pressure gradually rises on the teams.
Air Force v Pelicans
Air Force survived a scare as they came from a goal down to win 3-1 against Pelicans SC at the Air Force base in Katunayake.
Air Force were in for a rude shock in the first half as Pelicans dominated proceedings and went into halftime with a 1-0 lead courtesy P.K.Pradeep’s goal in the 27th minute.
However a stern halftime talk by coach Tuan Raheem changed fortunes for the Airmen as they started the second half brightly. Just five minutes into the second half the dynamic winger Kavindu Ishan scored the equalizer.
Boosted by that goal Air Force attacked at every opportunity and in the 55th minute Nipuna Bandara scored the second goal. He extended the lead scoring his brace in the 66th minute as the match ended 3-1.
Matara City v Don Bosco
Don Bosco made it two wins from two as they humbled the struggling Matara City 2-0 at the Matara Football Complex.
With this Matara City drops to the bottom of the table having lost all three matches.
However Matara City put on a good defensive effort as they kept Don Bosco goalless till the 75th minute when Dulaj Peiris broke the deadlock. It was a close match till the end and while Matara City went in search of an equalizer leaving gaps behind the visitors took full advantage to score the second through S.Fernando in the 90th minute.
Points Table – Dialog Champions League 2015
Blue Star v Java Lane
Java Lane secured a goalless draw at the Blue Star fortress over the weekend, where Blue Star hadn’t lost in over two years.
It is never easy coming to the Vernon Fernando Stadium and playing the darling of the fans, Blue Star SC. A raucous crowd adds more pressure for the visitors. However Java Lane did exceptionally well to earn a point from the match.
That point however came at a cost as Java Lane’s enigmatic captain Rizkhan Faizer was forced injured within minutes of the start after suffering a knee injury.
“It is never easy to play in Kalutara but we showed real character and determination to draw the match. A draw there is like a win for any visiting team,” Faizer told ThePapare.com – as the captain will face a few weeks off missing vital matches due to the injury.
Solid v Saunders
Match was abandoned in the 81st minute with Solid leading 2-0 as Saunders were not happy with the security provided.
Reigning champions, Solid who suffered a shock defeat to Police in the first week, needed confidence as they started the match in their home grounds positively. They took the lead just before halftime through Oluwafemi Shola and doubled the lead in the 51st minute when Saunders defender Duminda Hettiarachchi turned the ball into his own net.
Thihariya Youth v New Youngs
In a match of uncertain fortunes New Youngs got their second win in three matches defeating Thihariya Youth 3-2.
New Youngs raced to a 2-0 lead within 37 minutes as M.Karunarathne scored in the 24th minute and A.Dziea added the second in the 37th minute.
It looked like it would be an easy win for New Youngs but Thihariya Youth came back into the match in the second half like they did against Negombo Youth last week. P.Perera pulled a goal back in the 58th minute but A.George restored the New Youngs two goal lead a minute later. Mohamed Arushan again made it 3-2 in the 62nd minute but were unable to find an equalizer.
Highlanders 0 – 0 UpCountry Lions
