Blue Star down Moragasmulla, New Star edge-out Renown

Action from the match between New Star SC and Renown SC

By Susil Premalal

Blue Star SC, Kalutara pulled off an impressive 3-1 win against Moragasmulla SC while Up-Country Lions SC snatched a 3-3 draw with a last gasp effort in the opening matches of the Vantage FFSL President’s Cup 2020 which began yesterday.

A brace either side of the interval by I. C. Uwanaka in the 42nd and 56th minutes helped Blue Star SC triumph despite being down with 10-men at the Sugathadasa Stadium after A. W. A. T. Eranga received two yellow cards from referee Lakmal Weerakkody.

Moragasmulla SC pulled one back through a goal by Eranda Prasad in the 66th minute before Edison Figarado sealed victory for Blue Star SC with an 81st minute strike.

Meanwhile, Up-Country Lions SC and Java Lane SC featured in a six-goal thriller at the Racecourse Grounds in Reid Avenue where the lead changed hands.

Mohamed Nazir drew first blood in the 27th minute to put Up-Country Lions SC ahead while a 34th minute strike by W. B. H. N. Sampath gave them a 2-0 lead.

Java Lane SC stormed back into contention through Malaka Perera’s goal in the 38th minute while Abdul Latheef got the equaliser after the interval with a strike in the 53rd minute.

Malaka Perera scored a double in the 64th minute to give Java Lane SC the lead for the first time but after a tenacious battle I. Olidemeji succeeded in finding the net in the second minute of injury time to earn Up-Country Lions SC a deserving 3-3 draw in Group ‘A’.

In the matches played under lights, New Star SC edged-out Renown SC 1-0 at the Sugathadasa Stadium while Matara City SC and New Youngs FC figured in a 1-1 draw at the Racecourse Grounds in Reid Avenue.