Football fanatics were treated to some riveting ball play on Sunday evening when four of the best clubs in the country clashed in encounters for valuable points in the GFF Elite League ‘season IV’ action.
Nicholas McArthur scored two goals to help Fruta Conquerors dominate Victoria Kings
In the end, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Police Football (GPF) clubs emerged respective winners of Match 28; with the GDF defeating Ann’s Grove 3-1 at the GPF Ground at Eve Leary Georgetown, and the Police emerging 2-nil victors over the Santos football club to advance in the league despite being mere debutants.
The ‘army men’ prevented the Ann’s Grove side from scoring any goals by the ‘A Game’ which they brought to the party. Kenneth Opara scored the first goal of the match in the 15th minute to give the GDF the lead, which they kept until to half-time.
This circumstance, coming as early as it did, mentally affected the Ann’s Grove side; but in the 68 minute, Ann’s Grove’s Steve Francis scored the equaliser to give his side a chance.
Both teams made the necessary substitutions in the second half, but Ann’s Grove failed to make a difference with their feathers being ruffled by the soldiers, and they were consequently left dumbfounded. GDF players Amumchi Opara Benjamin and Olvis Mitchell registered goals in the 89th and 94th minutes respectively to crush any prospective Ann’s Grove resistance.
In the preceding match, Police registered a goal compliments of Damion Thomas in the 11th minute, and from there on so fiercely defended their territory that Santos were unable to score in the first half. In the second-half action, Police again dominated play, with Lerone Charles registering his first goal in the 64th minute to hand Police the win.
Meanwhile Western Tigers defeated Buxton United 3-nil on Saturday. Western Tigers’ first goal was scored in the 14th minute, compliments of Anthony Abrams; and Sylvester Yearwood took the score to 2-nil in the 37th minute before Anthony Abrams added the third in the 73rd minute to finish off the game.
In the second fixture, Fruta Conquerors mauled Victoria Kings 8-1 to highlight the night of play. Conquerors’ goals came via Quincy Adams in the 6th minute; Soliman Austin in the 23rd minute; Ryan Hackett in the 31st minute; Nicholas McArthur in the 48th and 75th minutes respectively; Alden Lawrence in the 63rd minute; Domini Garnett in the 90th minute, and Eon Alleyne in the 92nd minute respectively.
Victoria Kings’ only goal resulted from an own goal registered in the 51st minute.
The competing clubs will do battle to determine who wins the first prize of $2 million. Second place finisher will pocket $1.2 million; 3rd place finisher $800,000; and 4th place finisher $500,000.
The GFF Elite League is the highest form of competitive football played in Guyana. According to the Rules and Regulations of Season 4, the 10 clubs “will play one (1) round of football, resulting in the club acquiring the most points being declared the winner”.
