After a long break for the season due to bad weather, the two giants of Sri Lankan football clashed at Sugathadasa stadium today. Despite it being a night match there was a good crowd for both teams. At the start both teams looked pretty clumsy maybe due to lack of match practice.
Early inroads to the match was by Saunders. Saunders forward line was playing in tandem especially Kaushalya De Silva who played an outstanding game today. He in particular together with left extreme AGI Udara created many opportunities but they weren’t converted into a goals.
Just as Saunders looked like they were in charge of the proceedings Java Lane SC found their way through to their first and only goal of the match. M Rizkhan managed to deceive few defenders on his own and cross the ball towards the penalty box which found Mohommad Aleem who easily kicked the ball to the back of the net. The ball was close enough for the goalkeeper to reach for it but unfortunately this mistake cost them the match.
Half time score stood as Java Lane SC 1 – Saunders 0
As expected Saunders came out with a positive attitude in the second half. Possession in the second half was undoubtedly taken mostly by Saunders. It almost looked as if they just started playing the match but it was too little too late for them. Saunders managed create chances but they couldn’t finish it and convert them into points. Their frustration was showing asthings got so intense in the field.
Java Lane on the other hand was nervous and on the back foot. They got lucky in few occasions when Saunders got so close but was not able to score. They deserve to be appreciated for the perseverance till the last second of the match. Saunders should also be applauded for not giving up till the last minute. But that one mistake cost them the match. Amidst all the controversial decisions and frustration of the players, both teams showed their true sportsmanship at the end of the match by shaking hands and congratulating each other.
Full time – Java Lane SC winning by one goal to none.
