Hard earned win for New Youngs; Navy edge out Negombo Youth while Air Force draw Crystal Palace

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The much fancied Java Lane SC took on New Youngs SC in Wennappuwa on the 2nd day of the Dialog Champions League. 

Two teams were set for a good game of football by rebuilding their squad with new players. Both teams had foreign players but the Java Lane duo clouding play because of their visa issue.

Both teams were very nervous and lacked confidence when they received the ball and in developing attacking movements. Miss passes no proper ball controll and missed opportunities made both team officials and the spectators frustrated. It was a midfield battle throughout the game and the 1st half ended 0-0.

The 2nd half turned out to be all different where both teams changed their playing style and showed more aggression and promise in scoring a goal. Many chances were created by Java Lane but the New Youngs goal keeper proved himself someone not easy to be beat. He did pull off some very good saves to make Java Lane frustrated. 

The game did live up to the aggression from both teams in terms of tackles and challenges. Few heated moments but the referee managed to keep the control of both team players.

It was a needles free kick conceded by Java Lane on the 56th minute and the defense forgot to man mark but was holding a high off side line. The New Youngs attackers read the situation and with a well-timed run by Mohamed Mushikhan scored a super goal from the free kick ball which was curved to the far post. This was a hard earned goal for the Wennappuwa side and the whole game style and spectator atmosphere changed at the venue. 

New Youngs put their heart and soul in holding on to the hard earned goal with tight defensive performance, where Java Lane midfielders couldn’t find any room or break their defense and supporting their attackers to find an equalizer. Even though there were half chances created by Java Lane they couldn’t find an equalizer goal. 

ThePapare.com Man of the Match: Krishan Fernando (New Youngs Goalkeeper) 

Navy 1 – 0 Negombo Youth (Prasad Lakshitha 60th min)

Crystal Palace (K.J.Francois 28th min) 1 – 1 Air Force (G.K.Perera 87th min)

Thihariya Youth 0 – 0 Kalutara Park