Prior to his team’s appearance in the Finale of the Stag Elite League, coach of the Alpha United Wayne Dover
Stag Elite League Finale Champions Alpha “The Hammer” United celebrate their triumph at the Leonora Stadium
said his only expectation is for his team “to win and retain the status as the number one side in the country.” And that is exactly what they did on Sunday night as they defeated Slingerz 3-0 on penalty kicks.
Played at the Leonora Stadium in front of a vocal gathering of spectators, Alpha prevailed over their opponents thanks to their custodian Richie Richards who was spectacular in saving three shots during the penalty shootout.
In the first 90 minutes Richards also barred some powerful shots to ensure the game remains in the balance. However, in the second half, Slingerz could have opened the score tally, but Tishard Joseph missed a penalty.
A hard fought battle ended goalless in 120 minutes of play, prompting a penalty shootout to decide the champion.
In their first three attempts, Dwight Peters, Andrew Murray Jr. and Delon Lanferman found the back of the net for Alpha against the diving Vincentian goalkeeper Winslow McDowell. On the other hand, Morello, Tishard Joseph and Devon Millington of Slingerz shots were all saved by Richards.
The game was not played without the referees having to make some tough decisions as several players were issued yellow cards during the game for each side Devon Millington 38? & Murilo Barbosa 113? (Slingerz FC); Anthony Abrams 26?, Colin Nelson 72?, Kris Camacho 79?, Delon Lanferman 110? & Delon Lanferman 120+? for Alpha.
The third place playoff was an exhilarating treat for the eyes of the spectators who witnessed the return of Gregory Richardson to the Pele FC team. However, his side went down to Fruta Conquerors 2-3.
Eon Alleyne gave the Tucville side the lead in just a mere five minutes into the first half. However, seven minutes before stoppage time in the first half Gregory Richardson equalised.
In a similar start to the first half, Dennis Edwards scored Conquerors second goal four minutes after the break. Jermine Junor then seal the deal in the 69th minute, giving Conquerors a 3-1 lead. In the final minute of play Devon Charles scored a consolation goal for Pele.
Alpha “the Hammer” United pocketed $4,000,000 for winning the League Finale round while Slingerz FC received $2,000,000 for their second place finish and an extra $1,000,000 for topping the points table in the Finale stage of the inaugural Stag Elite league.
Fruta Conquerors collected $1,000,000 and $500,000 went to Pele FC for finishing third and fourth respectively.
