Ashraf Ali proved to be the game changer as he scored the solitary goal with a header that propelled Royal College to win the 23rd Albert Edirisinghe Trophy 1-0 on the night and 2-1 on aggregate against Mahinda College at the Race Course International Stadium.
The 1st leg in Galle ended in a 1-1 deadlock, with Royal looking to capitalize on home advantage in the return leg. At the same time, however, the result of the 1st leg proved that Mahinda College was determined to reduce the deficit in the total tally of the encounter which 20 – 2 in favour of the Royalists.
From the get go, Royal seemed to be draped in confidence as home advantage was very noticeable in the stands. Furthermore, this made Naveen Jude and Sakun Divyanga establish themselves in the midfield to create many chances for the Royalists.
Initially Royal seemed to be asking all the questions as Naveen utilised his wingers, in particular Afridi Hussain that scuffed many chances at goal.
Photos: Royal College v Mahinda College – 23rd Albert Edirisinghe Trophy
Photos of the Royal College v Mahinda College – 23rd Albert Edirisinghe Trophy 2016
The first proper chance for Royal came through a free kick at the edge of the opponent’s penalty box taken by Naveen, and his effort was one which could be put on the top drawer. However, the Mahinda College keeper also produced a top notch save to match the quality of the shot.
However, this was not a one sided affair as the team from Galle slowly grew into the game with Navindu Reshan, Pasan Kumara, Kalhara De Silva, and Ashan Kumara stringing up some threatening passes to open up the Royal defence.
But Mahinda College was not able to keep Royal’s keeper on his toes due to the lack of the accuracy of their finish. Mid way into the first half and play was bogged down in the midfield with no one being able to penetrate either of the defences.
Half Time – Royal College 0 (1) – 0 (1) Mahinda College
The second half started and continued in the same fashion as the first half as Naveen and Sakun once again took charge of the midfield and pulled some important strings during the match.
The difference being that Chathura Avishka and his defensive partners conceded unnecessary infringements which made Mahinda work their way to the Royal penalty area through set pieces.
Furthermore, the Royal back four seemed to lose its solidness as they began to commit unnecessary mistakes which allowed the Mahinda front players to penetrate and test the keeper of Royal.
The deadlock was finally broken mid-way into the second half in which Mahinda conceded an unnecessary corner where a confident Naveen stepped up and guided the ball right into an unmarked Ashraf Ali which headed the ball with great accuracy into the back of the net, fumbling the Mahinda keeper as well as their back four.
It was then that Royal sprung into life and started having fluid movements with the ball, therefore threatening the Mahinda defence even more.
Mahinda, however, did not back down as the front men, Ashan and Kalhara, gave chase to the Royal back four. But this was successfully dealt with through the leadership of Chathura manning his back four with great prejudice.
The lead was almost extended when the last corner, taken by Chathura this time was met with perfection by Naveen who attempted an overhead kick that beat every player except the keeper’s hands which made it the last kick of the match as the referee blew the whistle shortly after the save.
Royal won the 2nd leg 1-0 and an aggregate score of 2-1 in favour of the hosts taking the tally up to 21-2.
Full time – Royal College 1 (1) – 0 (1) Mahinda College
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Chathura Avishka
Goal Scorers
Royal College – Ashraf Ali 57’
Bookings
Yellow Cards
Royal College – Chathura Avishka 17’
Mahinda College – Akalanka Swarnahansa 50’
