This Sunday Lesco met Roshnee FC for the third time this year, except this time it was not just pride on the line but three vital points. The stage was set at the sports park in Roshnee, the first away fixture for the season.
There was a sense of excitement in the air, as the boys gathered in the mist at the Caltex garage. The journey to Roshnee was short lived in excitement for the upcoming fixture and before you knew it the whistle went and the match was underway.
It was a positive start to the game for Lesco with the first chance of the game falling to man on fire, Jackson Melanzie, who could only slot it wide. A good run from Faheem Wania seen his tame shot easily saved as the games next clear cut chance. It was Roshnee`s chance to have a go when a long ball from the back seen a defensive mistake from Lesco`s Center back pairing. A close call as Roshnee almost score.
Lesco FC`s next chance had produced what is being dubbed ‘save of the season’ from Roshnee FC acrobat between the sticks denied Delano O`Shea the opener. It was as if time stood still for him to pull that one out. A brilliant save. His opposite number Lesco`s own number one ,MS Mayet, was faced with the challenged of facing a free kick, just outside the eighteen yard box, positioned himself brilliantly to make a save.
The deadlock had finally been broken when winger Faheem Wania produced another pin point cross to allow Yaaseen Essof to have a clear shot at goal. The striker converted the chance expertly, sending the keeper the wrong way finally opening his account in the league this year.
Halftime came and went and a tactical change seen Coach Zaheer swap the wingers around. The change had an almost immediate impact after a brilliant piece footwork seen Feemo beat four defenders to accelerate down the line to win a corner. The resulting corner was not a good one.
The ball has a habit of finding itself on the feet of Feemo Wania, who this time wiggled his way past two opposition players in to the box, only to be clipped from behind resulting in a Lesco penalty. Cool, calm and classy is the only way to describe the penalty, converted by the skipper.
Another Spartanic performance in the centre of the park by midfielder Muhammed Hoosen, allowed Lesco to dominate the game. One way traffic could sum the game up at this point. The pressure finally took its toll on the Roshnee defence when a Delano pass, seen Raees Ismail have the full back in a on-on-one. A world class touch seen him expose the defender to set him through on goal. The winger however, seen his shot ricochet off of the keeper but Yaaseen Essof`s poaching instincts kicked in for him to convert his second and Lesco`s third respectively. The crowds cry, `well done Raees’ , was deserved. Raees`s performance had been a long time coming and Lesco will be hoping he can build on it. Go on Raees!
MS Mayet still had a vital part to play to earn his treasured clean sheet. Roshnee found themselves through on goal, only to be denied again by the tall standing goalkeeper. The posts seem so small when he is standing between the sticks. A real confidence boost for all the coaches, players and fans alike.
The build up to the fourth goal capped another good performance at Right Back from Zaid Cassim, with an assist. His long throw allowed Jackson Melanzie to spin the defender and convert at the near post. Another game, another goal for the in form attacking midfielder.
With the win now secured for the dominant Lesco, the players began to express themselves on the field. Sulaiman Hassen showed his expression with two dirty challenges in the space of a few minutes almost got him sent off. Lesco should count themselves lucky to finish the game with all eleven men.
The match ended 0-4 to Lesco FC and coach Zaheer had a few good comments to make: “It was a well oiled performance from my boys, almost perfect.” Yes coach “almost”. He also made a special mention to Neo and Osego for the part they played in the performance.
Written by
Yaaseen Amanjee
