Don Bosco take on Navy in first semi final

Bernard PERERA

The Holcim FA Cup the most prestigious Soccer tourney has reached its semi final stage and an exciting soccer on cards this Saturday and Sunday. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 3.30 pm at Police Park, Bambalapitiya .

In the first semi final today Don BoscoSports Club from Negombo coached by Former national coach Sampath Perera will take on Sri Lanka Navy. They out classed Renown SC to reach the semi finals during their quarter final. The team which has a following of thousands of fans from their home town, have the services of 4 national players Chatura Gunaratne the attacking mid fielder, two brothers Sunanda and Nipuna Bandara and K.P.P. Dalpadadu and the team combines well to play tactical football according to the situation that arises.

Sri Lanka Navy joiwho are back in the competitive football after lapse of three years due to North East trouble has a youthful outfit who could make a surprises entry in to the Cup final.

They reached the semi final defeating holders of the Championship Ratnam Sports Club from Kotahena.

Don Bosco SC will have to have good check on their opponent strikers Youth player Migara who is a very dangerous player around the penalty box area.

Meanwhile the goal keeper Ajith Kumara who had performed well for the Navy is a strength and Don Bosco forwards will have to use all their experience and skills to hit the right target.

Navy coach Mahinda Palitha too have a tough challenge in preparing his team to face the game plan adopted by Sampath Perera and it can be any body's game today.

Police vs Nandimithra

Sri Lanka Police SC is the most experienced side in the second semi final on Sunday when they come out as favorites against the youthful Nandimithra SC.

But the Nandimithra SC will try to go out to take sweet revenge as they were the losers in the hands of the Police SC on penalty tie breaker after leading till 60th minute of the game.

Rajitha Jayawilal and Nadeeka Pushpakumara are expected to combine well in the forward line and their positioning is a threat to any defense line. National players Nuwantha Charaka is a striker cummid fielder worth watching and the last defense line manned by Sanjaya Kumara will be hard to beat and Nandimitra forwards have work hard and use all their skills to defense line of the Police.

Nandimitra is a youthful side and performed well as a team. They had been very consistence in their performance when ever they played.

The National player Chameera Krisantha has been the outstanding player in the forward line forthem and their custodian too is a dependable too.

Considering these facts Police team come out with a slight advantage for tomorrow's game and a prediction can not be forecast for this game as.

With two tough teams expected reach the final of the Holcim FA Cup the final is sure to dish out top class soccer as in the previous years.