Java Lane SC - Nandamithra SC finals today

Java Lane SC Standing from left: M.R. Samarawickrema, M.N. Mohammed Newman, M.N.T. Fahim, M.A.M. Aswer, A.L. Mohammed Aleem, M. Nawal Yaseen. Squatting: M.A. Mohammed Najeebdeen, M. Ramlan Branudeen, J. Mohammed Zarwan, M. Rizkhan Faizer, M.N. Nagoor Meera. Pix: S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen, Kandy Sports Cor.,

Nandamithra SC: Standing from left: Mohammed Asmeer, Shashika Dilshan, Sumana Hettiarachchi, Dinidu Kumara, Sudharshana Ramanayake. Squatting: Pradeep Prasanna, Anil Shantha, Chathura Prabath, M. Ravinda Silva, Nalin Udaya Madhusanka, Shalinda Gayashan, Nuwan Priyankara, Miraj Upeka.

It is going to be anybody's game when the unbeaten Nandamithra Sports Club take on Java Lane Sports Club in the finals of the Premier League Division One Soccer Tournament organised by the Football Federation of Sri Lanka is worked off at the City Football Complex today with the wicket off at 3.30 p.m.

The chief guest will be M. M. Rameez executive member of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka and also director, Department of Playgrounds and Recreation of the Colombo Municipal Council.The champion team will receive a challenge trophy and cash of Rs. 300,000. The runner-up will receive a cash award of Rs. 200,000.

Fifteen teams participated in this tournament and both teams had to fight their way into the finals.

Nandamithra SC have so far remained unbeaten which gives them a edge over their opponents. Another point which stands in favour of Nandamithra SC is that they beat Moragahamulla SC 2-0 in the semi finals whereas Java Lane lost 1-0 at the league stage. Nandamithra SC started their campaign in a big way when they defeated the Kandy District joint champion, Kandy York SC by a huge margin of 5-0 before they were held to a one - all draw by Solid Sports Club. This did not deter them in the next match they were awarded their match against Pelican SC and at that time Nandamithra SC were comfortably ahead 3-0. Their next clash against Red Sun SC, Gampola, they were held to a one-all draw with the Gampola team putting up a stunning performance.

But thereafter Nandamithra SC got back into pleasing form and registered comfortable victories over Jupiter's SC, Negombo 4-0, Colombo Football Club 2-0 and Golden Stars SC, Kandy 3-0 to finish on top of their Group.

In the semi finals they beat Moragasmulla Sports Club 2-0 Java Lane Sports Club one of the leading soccer playing clubs in the country started their league stage of that tournament with a run away 6-0 win over another top side Cooray SC. But in their very next match they suffered a big setback when they lost to Moragasmulla SC which was a major upset. In their next match they were given a torrid time by Old Bens SC before winning by a close margin of 3-2.

But from here onwards it was plain sailing for Java Lane SC as they bear the star studded Super Beach SC, Kalutara 1-0 which helped them boost their morale. This was followed by wins over Super Sun SC 1-0, City SC Matara 4-2. In the semi finals they scored a close 1-0 win over Colombo FC. Nandamithra SC beat Colombo FC 2-0 at the league stage.But despite the performance in the league, where one team displayed a distinct edge, the finals could turn out to be a thriller and the result perhaps will be in the balance till the final whistle is blown.