Up Country Lions SC picked up their first win of the Dialog Champions League 2018, overcoming Java Lane SC 2-0 at the City Football Complex.
Kalutara Derby ends in stalemate
Blue Star SC and Super Sun SC played out an uneventful goalless draw in a rescheduled…..
Both teams went into the fixture having yet to register a win, and the home team’s disastrous start to the campaign was prolonged, by a disciplined Lions outfit.
Lions came closest early on through Roshan Manuja, with the midfielder’s header from a corner kick crashing against the crossbar with Java Lane just about succeeding in scrambling the ball away from under the bar in the resulting melee.
In an entertaining first half, Naveen Jude was the most active for Java Lane at the other end, flashing a shot across the face of goal whilst Malaka Perera also drew a good save from Rangana Jayasekara in the Lions’ goal with a shot from the edge of the box.
John Evans was the Lions biggest threat with his height and pace causing a variety of problems for the Java Lane defence, resulting in keeper Dammika Senarath being forced into action on more than one occasion.
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Mohamed Aleem forced Jayasekara into a great save with his feet with the last notable chance of the first half, as both team went in to the break without a goal to show for their efforts.
Half Time – Java Lane SC 0 – 0 Up Country Lions SC
The second half took a while to get going with a combination of poor passing and consistent fouling hampering both teams’ efforts to build momentum.
It was the away team that drew first blood as just minutes after Lions’ substitute Dinesh Abeyratne forced Dammika Senarath into a stunning save, Roshan Manuja found the back of the net with a well-placed side footed finish in the 61st minute.
Photos: Java Lane SC v Up Country Lions SC | Week 4 | Dialog Champions League 2018
Manuja was in the thick of the action 10 minutes later as he was brought down in the box by Dammika Senarath whilst running on to a great through ball by Evans. Evans made no mistake with the spot kick, as Java Lane fell further behind with the clock running out.
Java Lane tried everything to break down the disciplined Lions’ defence and even the introduction of Afam Akram could not find them a goal as they slumped to their 3rd defeat in 4 games.
Full Time – Java Lane SC 0 – 2 Up Country Lions SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Roshan Manuja
Goal Scorers
Up Country Lions SC – Roshan Manuja 61′, John Evans 75′
Bookings
Yellow Cards
Java Lane SC – Lakmal Perera 26′, Dammika Senarath 73′
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