Navy SC and Army SC dominated each half but both sides had to settle for a goalless draw on the opening day of the 2016/17 Premier League Women’s Division I Championship at the Navy Base, Welisara.
Navy missed a couple of chances as they controlled the first half and the favour was returned by Army as they bossed the 2nd half and should have scored from point blank range only for the crossbar to come in between.
Hosts Navy with a number of national players outplayed Army in the first half but they averted danger when a ball over the defence created uncertainty but Navy goalkeeper Nisansala Kumari was able to clear it rather awkwardly.
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National striker Praveena Perera was at the heart of the Navy attacks troubling the Army defenders. She had a few shots on goal but they were easy saves or wide of the target.
Army were dangerous with their set pieces on a couple of occasions but was unable to score as both sides went into half time without a goal.
Half time – Navy SC 0 – 0 Army SC
The 2nd half was a complete turnaround as Army making a tactical change in shifting Sri Lanka skipper Erandi Liyanage from striker to midfielder bossed the game.
Erandi had an early shot on target and continued to string together attack after attack for the visitors. On one such occasion Army got a free-kick on the edge of the box after Daniel Leelanthi fouled an Army striker. Erandi’s resulting free-kick though on target was an easy colletion for Kumari.
Army had the easiest of opportunities when a 35 yard Erandi free-kick bounced off the crossbar but Nalika Karunarathna could only head it back to the crossbar from point blank range before it was cleared away.
That proved to be the final piece of action but Army would be disappointed not to bag the win against the reigning champions.
Full time – Navy SC 0 – 0 Army SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Erandi Liyanage
Speaking to ThePapare.com Head Coach of Navy SC Dammika Athukorale had this to say;
“We had the chances in the first half and played well. I expected Ayesha to play well but she had a few missed-passes and Army took the advantage, but all in all we played well.”
Head Coach of Army SC, Asanka De Silva was slightly disappointed not to get the win;
“I wanted the side to hold on in the first half. I planned for the 2nd half and the change of Erandi worked should have scored but luck was not on our side. Since it was an away match we were a bit cautious and this was the first match in quite a while.”
