St. Joseph’s College, Maradana put up a clinical performance against St. Sebastian’s College, Katuneriya to hammer them by a 4-1 score line in the All Island U19 Division I group A clash worked off at the St. Sebastian’s grounds.
St. Joseph’s settled into the game at a rapid pace as they managed to counter the torrid ground condition in contrast to the hosts’ who struggled to find their feet.
The visitors managed to capitalize on their early momentum when they scored off a set piece in the 8th minute, when Sachintha Maduranga set up Asela Madushan with a cushion header inside the penalty area for the latter to power the ball home from close range.
Within the next four minutes the Josephians managed to consolidate on their lead when Jason Fernando slithered his way past the Sebastian back line to thump in the second on the stroke of the 12th minute.
The Darley Road lads who smelled blood went in for the kill as the pressed on for more. Asela who scored the first goal turned provider, as he set up Amila Dananjaya to clobber the ball home for an unassailable lead just two minutes after.
The hosts who had very little joy during the first half had a huge stroke of luck in the 21st minute when the Josephian goalkeeper Rasanjaya clattered into Dananjaya Fernando off the ball inside the penalty area to concede a spot kick.
The Sebastian’s skipper Harsha Maduwantha stepped and converted the chance with ease to provide a glimmer of hope for the home team’s fading ambitions.
With the slight momentum shift the Katuneriya lads tried to capitalize on the opportunity at hand to hit back as they showed a bit of industry and promise during the latter part of the first half despite being unable to score before lemons.
Half time – St. Sebastian’s College, Katuneriya 1 – 3 St.Joseph’s College, Maradana
The second half saw Joes seize the initiative once again as they showed more industry with their forwards working on their channels.
They were handsomely rewarded in the 59th minute when a fourth player got on to the score sheet when Sachintha Maduranga bundled in a cross from Chamath Rashmitha to put the game beyond sight.
Although the Josephians managed to create a few openings they were unable to trouble the scorers as the St. Sebastian’s lads managed to hold on to save themselves from the hands of a demolition.
St. Joseph’s made a strong statement at the beginning of this year’s competition as they’ve laid down the gauntlet to their opponents in the group with a complete performance in both attack and defense.
Amila Dananjaya was the midfield talisman for the visitors as he was in the heart of their midfield causing relentless headaches to his opposition.
Full time – St. Sebastian’s College, Katuneriya 1 – 4 St. Joseph’s College, Maradana
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Amila Dananjaya (St.Joseph’s College)
Speaking to ThePapare.com the coach of St. Joseph’s College Mr.Sampath;
I expected a good start from my players but not as good as they did though, they adjusted to the conditions well and in fairness I expected us to score more than 3 goals in the first half. We gave our opponents a glimpse with a needless penalty but overall it was a satisfying performance.
Goal Scorers
St.Sebastian’s College – Harsha Maduranga (P) 21’
St.Joseph’s College – Asela Madushan 8’, Jason Fernando 12’, Amila Dananjaya 14’, Sachintha Maduranga 59’
