Moragasmulla bounce back, Renown staring at exit door

Action from the match between New Youngs FC and Renown SC 

By Susil Premalal

Java Lane SC and Moragasmulla SC kept their chances alive of qualifying for the knock-out round of the Vantage FFSL President’s Cup 2020 Football Tournament with comprehensive 3-0 victories in Group ‘A’ matches played under lights yesterday.

After having featured in a thrilling six-goal draw against Up-Country Lions SC in their opening match, Java Lane SC emerged clear winners against Blue Star SC at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

A. Najabdeen scored the opener in the 14th minute to enjoy a 1-0 lead at half time. Malaka Perera slotted a penalty in the 53rd minute while Naveen Jude added the icing to their impressive win with a 77th minute strike.

Meanwhile, Moragasmulla SC bounced back from their loss to Blue Star SC in their opening match by easing past Up-Country Lions SC, riding on an early strike by Eranda Prasad after just six minutes at the Racecourse Grounds.

After several hits and misses, H. G. D. Madusanka (84th) and D. F. H. Priyankara (88th) were on target late in the game to seal victory.

Earlier, New Youngs FC handed Renown SC their second defeat of the competition with a 3-2 victory in a Group ‘B’ clash at the Racecourse Grounds while New Star SC and Matara City SC were locked in a goalless draw at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

Tharindu Danushka drew first blood for New Youngs FC in the 20th minute but Renown SC clawed their way back to draw level just before half time with a 44th minute strike by Jude Suban.

However, New Youngs FC pulled away with two goals within the space of five minutes after the interval. Punsara Senanayake found the net in the 47th minute while M. Karunaratne struck in the 52nd minute to virtually seal victory. Renown SC scored a consolation goal in the fourth minute of added time through M. Nidharshan.