Coomacka’s fairy-tale continued, as they overcame the highly rated Botafago 2-0 while Topp XX halted the intentions of three-time champions Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection, 2-1, when the semifinals of this year’s annual Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) Christmas football championship were played Sunday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.
Travis Waterton
Haynes and Winners Connection were off to a perfect start when their reliable forward Shaquille Frank netted in the 12th minute for a 1-0 lead, which was enjoyed until Topp XX got the equaliser in the 41st minute.
This was through the dependable shooting of Travis Waterton, who first was called upon when a penalty was awarded when Jamal Bentick was fouled in the penalty area.
That 1-1 score became 2-1 through Waterton again. This time on the brink of the half time whistle with a free kick taken from about 25 yards out. The powerful shot hit the back of the net in the 45th minute.
Keiron Daw and Wheatland Thom
Second half action failed to change the 2-1 score, and Topp XX made their first final after a long wait.
Coomacka then booked their place when they came away with a 2-0 victory over Botafago, who were unable to match their opponents’ speed. Keiron Daw was able to run into position and find the back of the net from a nice play from the left side in the 17th minute to opening the scoring.
Botafago had two real chances, but one shot hit the upright and the other was denied by the crossbar.
Resuming the second half with a 1–0 scoreline, Botafago were unable to match the aggression of Coomacka and found themselves in a two-possession match in the 71st minute when Wheatland Thom tapped home a chance in front of goal.
On Wednesday, the losers play for third place while Coomacka and Topp XX battle it out for top honours at the MSC ground from 19:00 hrs.
