Police SC created history as the Sanjaya Kumara-lead outfit beat debutant Nandimithra Balakaya of Civil Security Forces 6-5, in a penalty shoot-out, to win the coveted Holcim FA Cup soccer title for the first time in 35 years at a packed CR & FC grounds, Colombo, on Saturday.

Playing against strong opponents powered by many National youth players, skipper Kumara made sure that Police’s 6th FA Cup final appearance would not end in another sad note as he headed a decisive goal in the 65th minute of the match to tie the scores at 1-1. From then on, Police defended their territory till the final whistle to enter an enthralling penalty shoot-out.

The penalty shoot-out saw both number 11s A. D. Wickramanayake (Nandimithra) and Nuwantha Charaka (Police) err, which left the scores equal at 4-4 after their first five attempts. But Police’s P. K. Chandakkarage and Mudiyanselage Sugath then kept their cool to secure two consecutive goals to seal the victory.

Nandimithra, who created a streak of surprises to enter the final, ended their journey when Chathura Ekanayake mishit his penalty kick. Although a season’s hard work was spoilt in a final second, their fascinating journey this year in the FA Cup was a remarkable one for a debut making team.

Earlier, Nandimithra made sure that they drew first blood, as Kelum Perera earned the first goal just two minutes into the second half. But several missed opportunities cost them dearly.