Izzadeen shines for SL Army

YASARATNE GAMAGE

M.N.M. Izzadeen of Sri Lanka Army SC had a field day at Seewali Ground in Ratnapura on Saturday as he booted three goals to defeat Sri Lanka Air Force 3-1 in a stage 16 soccer match of the Dialog Champions League 2011.

If not for K.C.K. Lankesara's goal for the Airmen, Izzadeen was a hat-trick maker. It was 1-0 for Army in the first half with the first goal in the 28th minute. Though Air Force equalized in the second half, Izzadeen seemed unstoppable and went on to score another two goals.

Blue Star SC overcame Saunders by 1-0 at Kelaniya Football Complex on the same day. Farzeen struck early in the game for Blue Star.

Don Bosco SC had a disappointing weekend as they were ruled out of the game with Sri Lanka Navy at City Football Complex.

Don Bosco players walked out of the field in the 36th minute to show disapproval over the referee's decision of a red card penalty. The match was awarded to sailors according to the competition rules.

Ratnam SC defeated Nandimiththra SC on the following day at Kelaniya Football Complex by 3-1. M M Yogaraj and A T Eranga found the net in the first half while Mohideen scored the third goal towards the end of the game. S Satiswaran booted the only goal for Nandimiththra.

A beauty by A M M Naleer in the last minute drew the game for Java Lane when they battled it out with Renown SC who had earlier taken the lead with a goal from M I M Zain. The match was played at City Football Complex on Sunday.

Sri Lanka Police SC managed to force a draw with New Young's SC at their home ground on the same day. New Young's were in lead when L E Innocent found the net in the 8th minute. Mohommad Rafeek saved his team by scoring the equalizer just after the first half.