Cooray SC scored two goals each either side of halftime as they romped to an easy win over Old Bens in Group A of the Premier League Division I.
Jajeethanan was the star man for the hosts as he lit up the Cooray Park with two goals in each half while Geethanjana Prabath and Prabath Wickramathilaka scored a goal each.
It was a frantic opening 5 minutes where the two sides could have scored three or four goals but poor finishing and good goalkeeping prevented the scoreboard getting ticked off. Two opportunities came in the way of Cooray SC as one missed the goal by mere inches while the other was well stopped by Anthony Bernard. The best chance went to Old Bens’ and Sri Lanka U23 player Godwin but he shot straight at the keeper from point blank range.
Both sides went onto trade goal scoring chances with Pilla Rajeev being called to make an excellent save from an intended cross by Old Bens’ R.A.Chathuranga which almost crept under the bar. Godwin wasted another chance when he failed to spot Disal Senadi’s run on a two on one break and the defense was able to clear the danger.
In the 33rd minute Cooray SC punished Old Bens for not converting chances when Jajeethanan volley home after Bernard spilled the ball at his feet. Dananjaya Pradeep’s cross seemed like a easy collection but to the shock of the visitors he fumbled only to see Jajeethanan swivel his body to volley the ball making it 1-0.
Five minutes later Cooray SC were 2-0 up when Jajeethanan dribbled his way into the box and assisted Geethanjana for an easy tap in. After a poor showing Godwin was taken off and Cooray could have ended the half 3-0 up had Geethanjana not shot the ball straight at the keeper.
The second half commenced in horror fashion for Old Bens who were looking to get back in the game as they conceded a penalty inside three minutes. Prabath Wickramathilaka stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way much to the jubilation of the home fans.
Like the first half goals the second goal of the second half came almost instantly as Jajeethanan finished off a slick move. Cooray SC dominated possession in the second half where the game was slowed considerably compared to the first half with the lack of fitness showing among these semi-professional teams. Cooray defense was solid and the Old Bens were compelled to shoot from long range without much success.
