Negombo Youth won against Saunders 1-0 after W.A.Tharusha converted from the spot in a lackluster match at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
Negombo Youth, the surprise package of this season after a miserable 2013 season were on high spirits and once power house in Sri Lankan football Saunders having drawn most of their matches needed a win under their belts. However both sides failed to make any impression throughout the match with chances coming few and far between.
Negombo Youth were awarded a penalty on the hour mark when Chathuranga Perera trying an overhead kick to clear the ball inside his own penalty appeared to have fouled a Negombo Youth player even though he connected the ball. Referee gave the penalty amidst protest from the Saunders players. Tharusha calmly slotted from the spot to give the visitors the lead.
The visitors then on the defensive with deep defending and tried to catch the attacking Saunders on the break, but neither side failed to add any goals.
Crystal Palace comes from two goals down to win
Ekene Aba scored three of his four goals as newly promoted Crystal Palace from Gampola staged a dramatic comeback to win the match 4-3 against Don Bosco after being down 3-1 at halftime.
Aba opened the scoring in the 14th minute but George Durel equalized ten minutes later. Janith and P.Silva scored in the 34th and 42nd minutes respectively to silence the home crowd at the Nawalapitiya Stadium.
After half time Aba went on a trail blazing run of goals scoring the second half hat trick in the 55th, 71st and 83rd minutes to shock the visitors.
Up-Country, Colombo FC draw in a classic
“One of the best matches I’ve seen in recent times. End to end football from both sides. Brilliant plays by Lions and us.”
This was the comment by Colombo FC coach Mohomed Roomy after the dramatic 1-1 draw. Both sides were fielding past and current Sri Lanka players and they proved their worth entertaining the crowd even though the first half ended goalless.
In the 63rd minute Mohomed Rizwi scored an own goal giving the Lions the lead but Ahamed Shazny rescued a point for the visitors with the equalizer seven minutes from time.
Other Results
New Young’s SC 1 – 0 Renown SC
New Young’s SC – W.S.H.Thisera (45 + 1 Minutes)
SL Air Force SC 1 – 0 Thihariya Youth SC
Air Force – W. D. S. Fernando (14th Minutes)
