Old Bens enter semi-final

Bernard Perera

Old Bens Sports Club made their way to the semi-final of the Phoenix Cup Invitation Soccer Championship defeating Cooray SC 3-1 in a tie breaker after the game ended in a one-all draw. Old Bens who entered the fray as hot favourites failed to maintain same, as Cooray SC fought a grim battle for almost 16 minutes before the Bens got ahead through a goal scored by Chamila Perera, Kotahena team managed to hold onto the lead until the breather.

Soon after the turn around Cooray SC turned the game in their favour penetrating the defence line of the opponents on many occasions. Their attempts were fruitful in the 62nd minute when A. H. N. Jayaweera found the net for the equalizer. Thereafter none of the teams failed to find the correct target to score and the game ended as a draw 1-1.

The tie breaker system was introduced by referee Dilan Perera from which the Old Bens got through to the semis to be played on February 7 against their home town rivals Ratnam Sports Club.

The first semi-final on February 6 will see the Kalutara team Blue Star SC take on Renown Sports Club at the same venue - City Football League ground, Slave Island.