The boys from the Down South left the grounds with disappointment as Dilshan Weerappuli scored two goals one after the other in the latter part of the first half but Java Lane still managed to draw the game with 3 goals to all.
A solid shoot by the Java Lane striker Zarwan Johar in the 09th minute of the game set the tone for the match. Matara City FC played against Java Lane FC in their Dialog Champions League 2nd round matches at the City Football Complex, on the 27th of October 2013. Java Lane being placed 7th in the points table and Matara right after them the game was an expected humdinger. However the 3-all means each team will receive one point each after today’s game.
After Java Lane scored the first goal of the match Matara City FC striker Dilshan Weereappuli kicked a 25 meter high lob in the 40th minute which went over the Java Lane defense line and reached the nets going over Mohamed Imran’s (goal keeper) hands to give Matara city their first goal. Mohamed Imran was the substitute goal keeper as Java Lane was unlucky with both of their goalkeepers being severely injured. It was Imran’s first match as goalkeeper after playing as a center back throughout his life.
Two minutes after the first goal Dislhan booted the second goal for his team with the help of his brother and the right wing Roshan Weerappuli crossing the ball to go through the goalpost. Matara City FC led during the lemons 2-1.
With the start of the second half, M.Rizkhan and ZarwanJohar playing some classy football with both feet kicked the ball towards the goal post where Matara City FC goalkeeper Prince Amoah saved them all. In the 68th minute defender C. Naavinda booted a rebound ball straight at the nets far away from the post which could not be stopped by any of the home team boys.
A pass given by M.Rizkhan to their skipper NagoorMeena, who scored the second goal for his team from the left side of the goal post in the 78th minute. Few minutes later Java Lane received a penalty which was a twist in the entire game. The penalty did not live up to expectation as Manchester United trained Sri Lankan star Zarwan missed the penalty which could have given his team a victory easily. Despite the disappointment Java Lane continued to play with strength and stamina which helped them to score a goal through Rizkan’s right foot in the last minute of the game.
Java Lane managed to bounce back in the second half disappointing Matara City FC. Match was drawn with 3 goals to all.
Match was refereed by Dilan Perera
