Renown SC hold Ratnams to 1-1 draw

by Leslie FERNANDO

Ratnam SC did well to held Ranown SC to a creditable 1-all draw in the opening match of the Dialog Champion League soccer tournament conducted by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka played at the City Football League ground yesterday.

Both sides earned a point each from the drawn game. Ranown SC showed supremacy from the outset and pounced on the rival goal during the first 17 minutes but the Ratnum SC's last defence did well to foil several goal bound moves. Despite both teams going on the attack they never showed constructive style of soccer M. Fuard the Ratnam SC defender who was shown the yellow card for foul play in the 8th minute was ordered off the field with the `Red' card for dangerous play after 9 minutes, and Ratnam SC played with ten men till the close.

After a scoreless first half Ratnam SC surged ahead in the 52nd minute when Chrysantha Abeysekera after collecting a pass from the midfield and connected into the right corner of the net to lead 1-0.

Renown SC stormed back with better methodical play and scored the equaliser in the 61st minute. Saheed on the left flank drove the ball at the goal but the ball rebound off goalkeeper Segan Sylveira and M. Fazal was quick to rush in and just slot the ball home.

Both sides pressed for the winning goal with several attacking moves but the teams counter attacked and the score stood 1-1.

Referee: Anura de Silva.

Today Air Force will play Jupiters SC at 3.45 p.m. at the same venue.