First half goal by Victor Ikenna and Romesh Saalinda’s penalty save from the final kick of the match propelled Matara City Club out of the relegation zone.
With just two matches left for Matara City to play they are in a good position to avoid the drop this season. Matara City came into the match with only two players on the bench after a few of their players were unable to attend the match, yet they showed great desire against the top eight position hunting Air Force.
“Today we don’t have a few of our players, but the guys are ready to give their best and win the match which is the most important thing. We need a win to give confidence and avoid relegation. Last season we drew against Air Force at home and lost the return leg 2-1.” Matara City coach T.H.S. Indika told ThePapare.com before the start.
Air Force as usual started off the brightest with their passing game with Matara City looking to catch them on the counter attack. The visitors fed off a horrendous error by Dilshan Fernando in the 12th minute to get what proved to be the only goal of the match.
Dilshan Fernando made a hash of a routine back pass which let in African striker Victor Ikenna through on goal and rounded off the goalkeeper for an easy tap in to the shock of the partisan Air Force crowd.
Air Force kept to their game and created a couple of chances with Nipuna Bandara and captain Janaka Chaminda missing from close range. Those were the only opportunities for the hosts and were fortunate enough to go into halftime not down to a two goal deficit.
On the stroke of halftime Air Force goalkeeper Prabath Arunasiri fouled Ikenna outside the penalty area giving away a free-kick and earning a yellow card for his troubles. The free kick which was floated over the wall towards the top near corner was brilliantly saved by Arunasiri to keep the score to 1-0. 
The second half was clearly with Air Force and Matara City were left to defend their hearts out as they lacked match fitness due to lack of practice because of the rainy weather. Kumara Lankeshwara was the guilty party for Air Force as he missed two free headers from close range to give the hosts the lead.
Lankeshwara missed a header at the far post from a corner and again couldn’t guide the ball in from a cross with no defenders around him. Deep into injury time with Air Force desperately searching for an equalizer Romesh Saalinda fouled Dilshan Fernando inside the box who went up for a header giving Air Force the chance to salvage a point from the match. However Saalinda made amends for his mistake when he dived correctly to punch away Chathuranga Fernando’s effort and with that referee blew for full time.
“The lads played their hearts out. We knew we needed quick goals early on and got one. We were lucky a few time but then again you need some to win matches. The second half was all Air Force as we lacked fitness but our defense played really well and were organized.” The jubilant Matara City Club coach Indika added after the match.
