Java Lane S.C skipper Madhawa Ruwansiri scored from the spot in the first half of the game to seal victory against Matara City Football Club.
Being 1-0 down to Java Lane, the boys from Matara never gave up the game till the last whistle. Strikers of Matara City, O.V. Ikenna and Alanka Nirandana played a major role in attacking. Especially the foreign star Ikenna was unstoppable when dribbling the ball. Midfielder Manjula Prasanna was not lucky enough with his free kicks as opponent goalkeeper saved them.
Java Lane S.C started of the game with their star players, Rizkhan Faizer and Zarwan Johar on the bench. Both players were injured after dominating the previous match against Up-Country Lions in Nawalapitiya.
Strikers for the day Harshana Sumudu and Maxi Lettren played beyond their level to cover the missing players’ positions. Goalkeeper Dhammika Senarath had a man of the match performance saving all the shots and free kicks. Dhammika’s understanding with the defenders helped him to save the match for Java Lane.
Matara City defender M.G. Dinesh conceded a penalty to the home team within the first few minutes. Referee Tharanga had to call the penalty when the ball touched the hand of Dinesh. Former Sri Lankan and current Matara City F.C goalkeeper Asanka Viraj failed to save opponent skipper Madhawa’s penalty.
Boys from down south used the wingers to great effect in their attacks. The crosses received by the strikers could have been goals if Ikenna and Alanka put up more effort. Mid fielders R.B. Weerappuli and Manjula supplied the ball to the wingers who made their way easily to the sidelines to cross. No goals were conceded even though the crosses were perfect.
In the latter part of the first half a free kick was given to the Matara City few meters away from the penalty box. Manjula Prasanna’s effort touched the top bar and the rebound was cleared by Java Lane defender Muneer Sally.
Boys from Slave Island led the game during the breather 1-0.
Java Lane striker Zarwan Johar was introduced into the game in the second half. Left winger of Matara City D.Prabath managed to pass through opponent defender Muneer Sally and made a lob pass to the center of the penalty box. An easy chance to score was missed by the Matara City strikers as no one rushed to the ball and the goal keeper collected the lob pass conveniently.
An out kick made by goalkeeper Dhammika touched down at Harshana Sumudu’s feet who made his way passing 3 opponents to make a shot to the nets. Asanka Viraj did not let the shot pass the goal line. Rizkhan Faizer substituted A.Dhargish to play in the midfield position.
Another through pass made by Harshana after receiving a throw in to his skipper Madhawa who stood one on one against Asanka Viraj was kicked out as he couldn’t control the ball. Matara City defender Nilanga Sandeepa’s lob pass to the foreign striker Ikenna was made successfully though the striker failed to score the goal when he faced the goalkeeper. Rizkhan Faizer’s tackle awarded a free kick to the boys in blue. Yet again mid fielder Manjula Prassana’s shot was saved by Dhammika Senarath.
Last few minutes of the game was played with Matara City dominating as the ball was roaming around in Java Lanes defensive area but Java Lane defense held firm to win the match 1-0.
