Moragasmulla SC v SLTB SC - Premier League Division I (2016) - Moragasmulla Grounds - 20/08/2016 - Tharidu Rukshan saves one in a dominant display which earned him a clean sheet
Moragasmulla SC scored three goals to secure a convincing 3-0 victory over SLTB SC in the Premier League Division I Quarter Final fixture held at Moragasmulla grounds, Rajagiriya.
After a slow start to the proceedings, it was SLTB SC who had their first sight on goal in the 6th minute. Chamara Jayaweera volleyed a thunderbolt after an interception fell in his way but the effort was off target as it whistled past the goal post.
In reply, Moragasmulla won a free kick in a decent position but Priyankara failed to make a difference with a weak effort on goal.
But the home team soon took the lead in the 10th minute. A wonderful passage of one touch football was followed by Mahesh Kumar breaking Priyawansa inside the box who calmly placed the ball past the helpless goalkeeper to send the home fans go wild.
After the early goal both teams settled back to a defensive mode, not creating many opportunities.
Photo Album – Moragasmulla SC v SLTB SC – Premier League Div I 2016 | Quarterfinal
SLTB SC tried for an equalizer but the Moragasmulla defense held fort, not allowing SLTB attackers much space to create attacking opportunities.
Tharidu Rukshan, the goalkeeper had an outstanding match with the gloves.
In the dying minutes of the first half, SLTB SC found a way to get into a good position for a certain goal but Rukshan again stood up to the challenge by saving Jayaweera’s shot on goal from five yards away.
Half Time: Moragasmulla SC 1 – 0 SLTB SC
Second half saw a similar start as the first half. Both teams were focused on defending rather than creating attacking opportunities.
It took more than ten minutes before the first chance of the half was created. A free kick was awarded in favour of SLTB after a sloppy challenge but Nadeesha hit the ball straight at goal keeper.
Moragasmulla SC slowly gained some attacking momentum and started to expose the wearing SLTB defense.
After winning a corner in the 63rd minute, Moragasmulla SC made sure they make full use of it.
The delivery was perfect and Mahesh Kumar placed the header perfectly into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
SLTB couldn’t recover after the second goal and looked all at sea. Mahesh Kumar had another easy chance to put the match to bed but he overcooked his effort by shooting off target.
Things started to boil when A.I.C. Perera was awarded a red card for a hand off foul. Priyawansa followed his rival partner after referee sent him off with a second yellow.
After both teams were reduced to ten men, substitutions were made in order to take advantage of the situation. But it was Moragasmulla who stroke bingo with their substitution.
Dilan Madushanka scored a sensational header to put the game out of SLTB reach in the 85th minute. He was involved in a one on one combination with Chamara Gunasekara before heading the ball into the goal.
Referee blew the final whistle to end the match as both teams looked out of energy and stamina.
Full Time: Moragasmulla SC 3 – 0 SLTB SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match- Mahesh Kumar (Moragasmulla SC)
Goal Scorers
Moragasmulla SC – Priyawansa 10’, Mahesh Kumar 63’, Dilan Madushanka 85’
