Colombo FC and Java Lane FC settled for a 0-0 draw in their last league fixture of the City Football League – President’s Trophy, held at the Kew Points Road.
With a spot in the finals already assured, Colombo FC didn’t want to take too many risks going into the game. But Java Lane SC, yet to register a victory in the tournament, looked to end their campaign on a higher note.
Both teams started lively, attacking football from the word go. But the effort to score a goal lacked precision. Colombo FC was quick to gain the possession of the ball, occupying opposition territory. The defenders of Java Lane SC were able to manage all the chances created, only just.
Colombo FC attacked, wave after wave in the opening quarter of the game but couldn’t find the break through. Java Lane SC, well known for their counter attacking football, showed great composure to wait for the mistakes, and whenever they got the ball, they were quick to counter attack but were let down by poor finishing.
Colombo FC got a free kick 35 yards from the goal post. Zarwan’s shot was cleared away by the Java Lane SC’s goalkeeper Dhammika Senarath after a fumble. Senarath also had to make another decent save to deny Frank from scoring.
Photo Album – Colombo FC v Java Lane – City FL President’s Trophy
The same pattern of playing style was on show as both teams played to their strengths. Some reckless challenges started to come in disturbing the flow of the game.
In the 40th minute, Colombo FC’s Tuan Rizni found Frank with a scintillating cross, but Frank’s valiant overhead kick was off target. Java Lane won them a free kick on the other end, but Rizhkan’s near post effort was saved by Imran.
Java Lane’s Mohammad Afam had the ball in the back of the net, only to be ruled out by a controversial off side call, which bundled up the first half action.
Half Time- Colombo FC 0-0 Java Lane SC
Colombo FC quickly settled into the match again in the second half as their quick passing started to frustrate the boys from Slave Island. The skipper Bodrie Dimitri had a field day controlling the pace of the match all by himself.
Despite not having much of the ball, Java Lane was able to slice through the opposition’s defense with a through ball but Rizhkan was unable keep his shot down. The game started to boil up after the hour mark as both teams played end to end football of serious pace.
Another counter from Java Lane saw Malaka Perera going one on one with the goalkeeper but his chip hit the cross bar. Colombo FC responded with a counter of their own as Bordi Dimitri’s shot was parriedaway by Senarath. Java Lane SC got two free kicks on the edge of the penalty box of the oppositions but Imran made no fuss in saving both.
Colombo FC’s Raumi Mohideen, coming in as a sub, tried a long range shot which missed the right top corner by inches. Frank made a terrific run foxing three Java Lane defenders but he shot was off target again.
Again some unwanted fouls started to come in as 6 players from both teams finished the match with yellow cards behind their name.
Java Lane had the best chance of the match with Shabeer Razooniya left with the open goal, but he somehow managed to find the cross bar.
Colombo FC made some last minute efforts for a late winner but Momas Yapo’s half volley and Zarwan’s header were off target, which was fitting to a match full of missed opportunities.
Full Time- Colombo FC 0-0 Java Lane SC
ThePapare.com Man of the Match: Bodrie Dimitri
Both teams went back to the dressing room rueing at the missed chances. On another day, it would have been a high scoring thriller but ended nil-all at the end of the ninety minutes. Colombo FC will now have to get ready for the Grand Finale which will be held on the 30th of April as Java Lane SC faced the end of the road.
