Java Lane SC progressed to the semi-finals of the FA Cup courtesy of a 3-1 win, after producing a scintillating performance against cross town rivals Renown SC at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
Java Lane progress to quarters at expense of Crystal Palace
Java Lane SC set up a mouthwatering quarter final clash against cross town..
The two in-form teams played out an open, attacking game of football and the team from Slave Island ultimately prevailed to set up a semi-final clash against Saunders SC.
Java Lane defeated Champions League side Crystal Palace FC 2-0 in the quarter final while Renown demolished Brilliant SC 8-0 in their quarter final to make it to the semi-final.
It was a bright start early on for both teams as the game got off at a breakneck pace. Renown should have taken the lead early on when Mohamed Fazal failed to make any contact from a great cutback by Mohamed Rifnaz.
Both goalkeepers were in action early on as Malaka Perera forced a save from Mohamed Uzman through a header at one end, whilst Mohamed Asath drew an acrobatic save from Dammika Senarath at the other.
Java Lane took a deserved lead through a free kick as Janaka Chaminda found a way to drive the ball low past Uzman is the Renown goal. That goal brought Java Lane to life, as they created several great chances following the lead with Naveen Jude, Mohamed Aleem and Mohamed Abdullah all looking particularly lively.
Renown simply weren’t afforded the time or space to work their magic in midfield and they fell further behind after a delightful Java Lane counter attack saw Abdullah play in a sumptuous cross for Naveen Jude to turn home.
Renown had a great opportunity to pull a goal back from an indirect free kick inside the Java Lane box, but Fazal could only find the side netting. The half ended with Java Lane in the ascendency once again as Rizkhan Faizer forced Uzman into another brilliant save from a free kick.
Half time – Renown SC 0 – 2 Java Lane SC
The second half got off to a cagey start as, though both teams had spells of possession in dangerous areas, they could not create any clear cut chances for the forwards. Renown just seemed to lack the final pass in the final third, whilst Java Lane was happy to play on the counter.
Java Lane scored their third of the night on the counter as well, Naveen Jude going through to slot home past Uzman who was left exposed by his defence.
Renown managed to pull a goal back through Asath, as he successfully beat the offside trap to get behind the Java Lane defence to convert a rare opportunity in front of goal for Renown.
To their credit the Java Lane defence was very disciplined and they made it very difficult for the Renown midfield to break them down, and were able to get bodies in the way whenever the shot came from range.
Naveen Jude had an opportunity to score his hat-trick after a moment of indecision from Uzman, but his attempt to chip the keeper went over bar.
Army & Renown cruises through to quarter finals
Army SC and Renown SC recorded commanding 4-1 and 8-0 wins against Navy SC and Brilliant SC..
Java Lane could have added to their tally but some poor decisions in front of goal cost them, but their early efficiency in front of goal was enough to seal a famous win over Renown SC.
Full time – Renown SC 1 – 3 Java Lane SC
ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Naveen Jude (Java Lane SC)
Speaking to ThePapare.com Mohamed Nazar coach of Java Lane SC had this to say;
“Very proud of the way we played today, our primary aim was to contain them and prevent them from getting into dangerous areas. The way we played today the players deserved the result for all the hard work they put in. Next up we have a big game as well, and we’ll change tactics as needed to produce the result we need.”
Coach Mohamed Amanullah of Renown had this to say;
“Today we lacked intensity in the first half, we simply could not create anything and that cost us a lot. I’m at a loss to explain that performance. Usually when we play, we commit a lot of men forward and if we lose possession cheaply then that leaves us exposed on the counter which is where they capitalized. Now we have a break and I can take a look at the team and make adjustments as required and hopefully we’ll be back again at the top of our game.”
Goal Scorers
Java Lane SC – Janaka Chaminda 25′, Naveen Jude 37′ & 64′
Renown SC – Mohamed Asath 75′
BookingsYellow Cards
Java Lane SC – Mohamed Aleem 44′, Chamara De Silva 50′
Renown SC – Shamil Ahamed 24′ Mohamed Rifnaz 79′Substitutions
Java Lane SC – Shabeer Razooniya for Mohamed Aleem 68′
Renown SC – Tharindu Lakmal for Mohamed Rizkhan 24′, Falul Rahuman for Shamil Ahamed 60′, Thilan Sanjula for Fazul Rahuman 85′
