The Army frontline burst into form when the two Forces teams met at the Sugathadasa Satdium, as the Army outfit powered to a comprehensive 4-1 win over Navy.
Photo Album – Army SC v Navy SC – Dialog Champions League 2015 (Super 8)
The Army forwards put behind the last weeks’ poor performances with Madushan De Silva, Mohamed Issadeen and Sajith Kumara got on the score sheet as they geared up to a grand stand finish in the final two weeks of the Dialog Champions League.
Both teams coming into the game after draws in the previous round were even during the opening exchanges of the game, but it was Army who drew first blood in the 11th minute, courtesy of a goal from Nadeeka Pushpakumara.
Sanka Danushka released Punsara Thiruna down the right and the Navy defence failed to clear his cross before Pushpakumara smashed home a volley from inside the box.
Navy responded well though and came back into the game in the 30th minute courtesy of a penalty given away for a handball by left back Dilan Udayanga, with skipper Christeen Fernando making no mistake from 12 yards out.
They created some good chances in the first half but Nirmal Wijethunga failed to convert any of them as they were eventually made to pay for their wastefulness.
Madushan De Silva was a thorn for the Navy side all afternoon and having been played through on goal he beat the covering man with a great piece of skill and finished from the edge of the box in the 40th minute to give Army a deserved 2-1 lead at half time.
Mohamed Issadeen who had been struggling for goals in the Super 8 stage missed a couple of chances early in the second half to end his barren run, before being presented an opportunity from the spot in the 58th minute, as Chameera Krishantha conceded a penalty for a handball in the area. However Issadeen missed the initial kick with the ball hitting the upright, but was alert enough to poke home the rebound, to put Army 3-1 up.
He then turned provider seven minutes later as Madushan De Silva released him through the middle and having run in to the Navy box laid off the ball for Sajith Kumara, also struggling for form, who placed a low shot past Udayanga Reginold in the Navy goal.
The Army team kept the ball well from that point in as they consolidated their position and the score remained 4-1 at the final whistle.
With that win Army moved to the top of the table and with just two games to go, against Renown SC and Colombo FC, two wins could see them take home the Dialog Champions League 2015.
ThePapare.com Man of the Match: Madushan De Silva
Speaking to the coaches after the game they had this to say,
Coach Fawmy of Army;
“The difference today was our forwards, if they can find their finishing, we can beat any team. I think the midweek match is not a good idea given that all matches have been very tough.”
Navy Coach Dammika Athukorale;
“Today our defense did not settle well, Madushan De Silva created a lot of problems for us down our right. It’s difficult to play twice in one week, especially since some of our players are practicing with the national pool as well. We had to play 2 games in 3 days last week as well.”
