Navy escape with win despite Java Lane comeback

Dialog Champions League 2018

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Navy SC v Java Lane SC

Navy Sea Hawks FC came out 3-2 winners against Java Lane SC after some intense late drama in the week 7 clash of the Dialog Champions League 2018 at the Navy Grounds, Welisara.

Java Lane came into this fixture after a dismal start to the season, bottom of the table after 5 games. Navy Sea Hawks meanwhile, having done well so far, were in 3rd position.

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Almost immediately after kick off, Java Lane were awarded an indirect free-kick after their goalkeeper Sachintha Reginald was deemed to have handled the ball outside the box. However the opportunity was squandered by Malaka Perera who struck it over the crossbar.

Nagoor Meera gave Sea Hawks their first shot on target from the edge of the box, but Dhammika Senarath got down quick to make the save.

Sea Hawks bossed the midfield as the half progressed and continued to look the more likely side to break the deadlock. Unsurprisingly, in the 21st minute, P.W.N. Perera put in a brilliant cross into the Java Lane box that found Dhanushka Madushanka on the far end, who with a perfectly timed volley, found the back of the net.

Java Lane came close to equalizing after a corner kick was punched away by Reginald straight into the path of Naveen Jude who struck it on the volley, but the ball sailed just over the crossbar.

The Sea Hawks doubled their advantage when a cross into the box by Mohamed Sahil was met with a powerful header by Meera that had Senarath completely beaten.

Shafraz Kaiz gave Java Lane their first shot on target late in the half, but his strike was pushed away for a corner. Dhanushka Madushanka had the last effort of the half with a strike on the turn, but it flew inches over to end the half.

Half Time: Navy Sea Hawks FC 2 – 0 Java Lane SC

Sea Hawks continued their domination as Java Lane kept struggling to break through the Sailors’ defense. Mohamed Asmeer then took a good effort for Navy, but once again it went just wide.

Sea Hawks made it 3-0 after a through ball by Madushanka found Asmeer, who easily converted the opportunity.

Java Lane finally pulled one back just past the hour mark when Mohamed Rizkhan broke into the Sailors box and took a strong strike, which sailed past Reginald into the roof of the net.

Malaka Perera then took a long range effort which was pushed away for a corner by Reginald. The resulting corner was met with a strong header by Kaiz, but the ball went just over the bar.

Photos: Navy Sea Hawks FC vs Java Lane SC | Week 7 | Dialog Champions League 2018

The lads from Slave Island who aren’t strangers to stunning comebacks seemed to be mounting yet another as they pulled themselves to just one goal behind. Reginald rushed off his line and missed the ball completely, leaving Mohamed Rishan with the simple task of toe-poking the ball in.

Towards the end of the game, there were screams for handball against the Navy defender inside Navy box, and it seemed to be a clear penalty, but the referee deemed it not a foul.

Full Time: Navy Sea Hawks FC 3 – 2 Java Lane SC

  • ThePapare.com Player of the Match – Dhanushka Madushanka (Navy Sea Hawks FC)

Goal Scorers

Navy Sea Hawks FC – Dhanushka Madushanka 21’, Nagoor Meera 31’, Mohamed Asmeer 59’
Java Lane SC – Mohamed Rizkhan 65’, Mohamed Rishan 74’

Bookings
Yellow Cards

Navy Sea Hawks FC – Mohamed Sahil 22’, P.W.N. Perera 79’
Java Lane SC – Mohamed Rishan 66’

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