Renown’s enterprising attack won a closely contested 2-1 match against Negombo Youth at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
Renown after suffering a humiliating 6-0 loss to Solid has now gone onto defeat two of the top four title chasing sides in Colombo FC and Negombo Youth.
After a hard fought battle in the first half Sri Lanka cap Mohomed Rifnaz scored just before halftime to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Negombo Youth equalized on the hour mark through former national midfielder Tharusha. However with the reliable Hakeem Kamil at center-back Renown looked solid and closed the gates as 5 minutes after the Negombo Youth goal, Renown took back the lead through Lakmal Jagoda.
Issadeen’s penalty down Saunders
Issadeen’s penalty proved to be the difference as Army defeated the hard working Saunders SC in a closely contested match than predicted.
The sides recommenced their match which was abandoned after 25 minutes because of thunder showers last week and rain again threatened to be a spoilsport. However it was reduced to a drizzle as both sides played an attacking game under cooler conditions.
Kaushalya De Silva danced his way to the byline and sent in an inviting cross only to be missed by Saunders Captain Sanoj Sameera. This was the only chance for either side as they went into halftime scoreless.
On the hour mark Army left-back Sajith Kumara weaved his way into the Saunders box and a miss timed tackle by Mohomed Naleer earned Army a penalty. Issadeen sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to score what proved to be the game’s only goal.
In the final minutes Army had a few opportunities with Rajapakse’s shot missing the far post and Priyankara’s volley going off the crossbar. Issadeen also had an effort saved by the keeper in injury time.
Captain Ramees leads from the front for Blue Star
Mohomed Ramees scored a double as Blue Star travelled to Kurunegala to defeat Pelicans SC 4-2.
However it was the hosts who started off in attacking fashion getting the first goal in the 5th minute through D.Karunasinghe. Blue Star came into the match as the minutes went by and got the equalizer when Mohomed Fahir headed into the net in the 20th minute.
Thereafter Blue Star took control of the match and went into halftime with a 2-1 lead with a goal from captain Mohomed Ramees. After halftime Ramees scored again in the 53rd minute and Ekene Emmanuel made it 4-1 in the 76th minute. Pelicans reduced the lead through Gunasinghe’s goal but were unable to stage a comeback.
Police let it slip against Saunders
Police once again slip a winning position from their grasps as Saunders secured a vital point in a 1-1 draw.
Police playing an attractive passing game took their time but eventually got the lead just before halftime when A.Ranesh finished from close range.
Saunders playing their second match of the week looked labored but finished off strong. Police eased off in the latter stages as Saunders got the equalizer ten minutes from time.
