Saunders SC scored two 2nd half goals as they cameback from a goal behind to triumph over New Youngs SC 2-1 in Dialog Champions League 2018, week 14 encounter played at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Sea Hawks rejoice in Renown mistakes
The Navy Sea Hawks FC dominated visitors Renown SC in ….
New Youngs had the opportunity to get the score board ticking just 2 minutes into the game with a B S. Nemo cross off the right flank finding the feet of C. B. Olohunwa inside the box, but he could only hit it straight into the hands of the Saunders goalkeeper Asanka Viraj.
Then, Mohamed Naleem’s long range effort at goal right after was safely put away for a corner by the New Youngs goalkeeper Danushka Rajapaksha. An unbalanced Naleem sent the ball sailing over from just in front of the box from the resulting corner by Chryshantha Abeysekara.
A rather dull 1st half was filled with misplaced crosses, long-range efforts, weak shots on goal and unconverted free-kicks from close range.
However, Nimo broke the deadlock in the 40th minute through a mesmerizing volley. Nimo controlled the ball with his chest and volleyed past Asanka Viraj from inside the box.
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Both teams opted for an attacking play thereafter, creating a few goal scoring opportunities which went down the drain due to their poor finishing in the final third.
Half-time – Saunders SC 0 – 1 New Youngs FC
Saunders, who are no strangers to coming from behind came all guns blazing and were rewarded with the equalizer just 5 minutes into the second half. Sajith Dharmapala floated in a delightful long ball which found Abeysekara all open inside the box, in which he had no difficulty in heading it home.
Saunders continued their attacking play and looked more dominant out of the two teams. Few minutes later, a defence splitting pass by Chanuka Eranga found Mohamed Kurshid with only Rajapaksha to beat, but the goalkeeper made a brilliant save to deny the youngster.
Substitute Suntharaj Niresh’s free-kick from close range in the 77th minute forced a crucial save from Rajapaksha as he pulled the ball away for a corner, and then was made to work again by Chamod Dilshan who headed the ball right at him off the resulting corner.
Photos: Saunders SC v New Youngs FC | Week 14 | Dialog Champions League 2018
New Youngs had their fair share of chances at the other end of the pitch but were bereft of the much-needed final touch to put the ball back in the net.
Saunders found their second of the night in the 85th minute, and it was all about Chamod who took the ball close through the left before rocketing it past Rajapaksha from an angle.
Saunders had two straightforward opportunities before the final whistle. Kasun Jayasuriya, who was the culprit in both the instances bashed the first one over the crossbar and could not get a proper shot fabricated in the second opportunity, both from point blank range off two delicious crosses from Niresh.
Full time – Saunders SC 2 – 1 New Youngs FC
ThePapare.com Man of the Match – Sanoj Sameera (Saunders SC)
Goal Scorers
Saunders SC – Chryshantha Abeysekara 50’, Chamod Dilshan 85’
New Youngs FC – B. S. Nimo 40’Bookings
Yellow Cards
Saunders SC – Sajith Dharmapala 12’
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