Java Lane fight back to secure point against New Youngs

Java Lane had to fight hard to claw their way back from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw in their game against New Youngs SC played at the City League Football Complex.

Java Lane and their visitors both came into the game on the backs of losses against Super Sun and Air Force respectively. However it was Java Lane who simply had to win to keep their chances of staying up in their own hands, whereas New Youngs already looked set to make the Super 8s.

The first half produced very little action with New Youngs happy to sit back and allow Java Lane possession in order to create chances for themselves on the counter.

It was on the counter as well that they took the lead in the 27th minute after a chipped through ball from James Sogah released Mohamed Mushikan on goal. The winger unleashed a first-time left footed effort that Java Lane custodian Dhammika Senarath could only parry into his net.

Avishka Perera had a decent chance to double the visitors’ advantage on the brink of half time, but failed to keep his effort on target after finding space in the box for the shot.

At the other end of the field, it was disappointing for Java Lane as they struggled to create any clear cut openings for their forwards despite enjoying lengthy spells of possession.

Half time: Java Lane SC 0 – 1 New Youngs FC

The second half was a far more feisty affair as Java Lane came out all guns blazing to try and level things up. New Youngs themselves got stuck in a defensive mind set and when they had the ball, they couldn’t make any use of it.

Key for Java Lana were their full backs who came forward to support the attacks much more in the second period and it was left back Lakmal Perera who nearly restored parity early on in the half as his cross went goalwards and forced keeper Kaveesh Fernando into a stunning acrobatic save.

Kaveesh had to be alert again when Malaka Perera got his head to corner, this time hanging on to the ball in a crowded box.

In a rare piece of action at the other end of the field, a terrible bit of miscommunication between Dammika Senarath and Fahim Nizamdeen nearly gifted New Youngs a second as a backward header caught the Java Lane keeper off guard. They recovered well though to block the eventual shot from Mushikan and prevent what would have been a calamitous goal.

The breakthrough came eventually for Java Lane when Mohamed Rizkhan outmuscled Thilanka Priyadarshana on the right to put in great cross for Naveen Jude to poke home from point blank range in the 81st minute.

Both teams then started to play for the win as New Youngs were sparked back into life after conceding the equalizer.

Mushikan showed a tremendous burst of pace to break into the box but unfortunately for him his firm left foot drive was hit straight at the grateful Dammika Senarath who held on gratefully.

Both teams ran out of time in the end, and had to settle for a point as referee Dilan Perera blew for full time.

Full time – Java Lane SC 1 – 1 New Youngs FC

ThePapare.com Player of the Match: Adjei Richard (New Youngs)

Speaking to coach of New Youngs Jagath Fernando after the game he had this to say;

We were without some of our key players and a draw is a good point for us. We tried to defend and invited a lot of pressure in the second half as we’re still trying to work out the combinations between our senior players and junior replacement. I think 13 points is a good total, but we have a week to prepare for our game at home to Thihariya Youth, so hoping to end on 16.

Goal Scorers