Serrekunda Utd Open Delight Debut

By Mandu Sanneh

Serrekunda United on Wednesday opened their sensational second division debut with a one nil victory against Lamin FC at Serrekunda East mini stadium against Lamin FC, on their way in trying to win the 2011 Gambia’s second football flight.

The first chances of the game came from Baboucarr Jallow and Hamang Conteh of Lamin FC in the 11^th and 21^th minutes respectively, but both failed to convert it into a goal.

Baboucarr Jallow of Serekunda United launched a beautiful header in the 24 minute, but it was well saved by Sainey Jammeh, Lamin FC’s goalkeeper.

With eight minutes before the break, Madi Jatta opened the scores with a fantastic header after benefiting from a corner kick. The goal was well defended by Serrekunda United till the half- time whistle was blown by the central referee.

Come into the second half, Lamin FC introduced fresh legs in a bid to find an equalizer. Despite all their efforts, it was difficult for them to escape the focused defense of Serrekunda United.

In the 61^st minute, Hamang Conteh nearly netted-in an equalizer with a brilliant free-kick but his shot hit the cross bar.

Serrekunda United were able to defend their lead to the end of the game, which gave them three points to start with in the second division league.

Modou Njie, the head coach of Serrekunda United said: “No relegation this time. We are not going down; we will fight hard in all our games.”

He admitted that his side at times lacked communication within themselves but promised that they will work to improve on that weakness.

Meanwhile, the head coach of Lamin FC Tony Awih told this reporter that in football, you either win or lose.

“We were not expecting to lose,” he said. “We beat them last year and this time it is their turn.”

He added: “The problem was that my players don’t follow instructions. They are young players, but we will bounce back.”

In a similar engagement, Serrekunda East defeated Zycot/Sea View in Manjai by a goal to nil. The goal was scored by Muhammed Lamin Sallah from a spot-kick.

In Banjul KG5, Hawks FC shared points with Banjul United in a goalless draw.