Negombo Youth held off Nandimithra SC in a nervous last few minutes to win the game 2-1 at CR&FC Grounds.
Leading in the first half and again another goal scored in the second half made an easy win for Negombo Youth. Opponents scored a goal in the latter part as the fight to score another one was lasted till the last minute of the game. Meanwhile Nandimithra Sports clubs Nigerian player D.Ton Tonye who played a major role in attacking scored the only goal for Nandimithra SC.
Beginning of the first half was a smooth game with no rush. Negombo Youth were keen to score than the opponents. Nandimithra SC had the ball but did not try scoring as the ball was meddling in the center of the field. Serbian striker Jentic Stefan played along with the veteran striker Kasun Jayasooriya. Both strikers had the help of Midfielder Tharusha who supplied the ball to the wingers and the strikers perfectly. Some of the game changing passes were made by the foreign players which was very impressive.
Kamal breaks the deadlock
D.Ton Tonye tried his level best to equalize the score but none of his team mates played the way he expected. Few of his attempts failed as Negombo Youth defenders had marked him in advance.
Long shots taken by Ton Tonye were easily saved by Roomal Vass. Wingers were not quick enough to react to the midfielders lob passes. Skipper of Nandimithra SC Danushka Damith made a cross in the very beginning which could have been easily scored. None of the strikers were present in the penalty box at that moment to head the ball to score.
A corner kick made by Kasun to the top of the box was missed by defender Kumara Fernando. Goalkeeper Roomal Vass punched the ball. Rebound was collected by Tharusha and made a lob pass to the right winger Kamal Silva. A volley kick made by Kamal reached the nets as Negombo Youth took the lead for the first time in the game.
Veteran Jayasooriya seals the deal
Like in the first half Negombo Youth had their form in the second half too. Few changes were done in both teams after the break. Harindra Pieris came in as a right winger and troubled the opponents with his speed.
Nandimithra was shocked for a moment as Kasun gave a through pass to Harindra who ran in between the defenders to collect the ball. Harindra stood one on one against the goalkeeper after collecting the ball but could not finish the movement with a goal as his kick went out of direction.
Few minutes later Jentic Stefan’s unexpected pass helped them to score another goal. Stefan’s made a pass from the left side of the field to the right side which almost landed near the goal post. Kasun reached the ball he made a volley kick which couldn’t be stopped by the goalkeeper.
After conceding 2 goals Negombo Youth played a relaxing game. This gave an opportunity to the opponents to score a goal. Midfielder Ton Tonye grabbed a ball from defender Robert and made his way dribbling the ball to pass three defenders. After passing the defenders he ended up in the penalty box and made a powerful shot with his left foot. The unstoppable kick reached the nets as Nandimithra scored in the 61st minute.
Though Nandimithra tried to bounceback and equalize the game opponent defenders did not let that happen. After scoring the first goal Nandimithra had the confidence of scoring another one but unfortunately they were unable to do.
