Grove Hi Tech win; KK Warriors, Herstelling Raiders draw
Stag /EBFA Senior League…
Defending champions Grove Hi Tech have restored their quest to retain championship honours with a 4-0 win over a game Diamond United when the Stag sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Senior League continued on Sunday last at the Grove Playfield.
The opening match saw Herstelling Raiders squandering a spot kick early in the second half as they settled for a draw with Kuru Kuru Warriors.
Grove Hi Tech goalscorers! From right: Delroy Dodson, Denzil Crawford and Nickolai Matthews
Diamond though, with their young guns, kept Grove at bay for the entire first half whilst creating a few chances but could not convert the few opportunities they created. Grove, on the other hand, were patient knowing that once they cracked the Diamond defence, it would have opened the flood gates that that is exactly what occurred.
Denzil Crawford opened the champion’s account two minutes into the second half while the advantage was doubled in the 62nd minute, compliments of a Delroy Dodson effort. As the home team continued their grind, Nickolai Matthews increased the advantage in the 73rd minute, while the sealer came five minutes later through a John Matthews goal. Grove Hi Tech have now taken back sole leadership at the top of the points table.
Herstelling Raiders continued their dream run, but spoiled the chance to register yet another upset win, this time against another formidable opponent, Kuru Kururu Warriors.
The Raiders, already with the scalps of Soesdyke and Agricola via similar 2-1 margins, drew first blood against the Warriors when Eric Williams netted in the 13th minute. But the Warriors, who handed Grove their first and only defeat to date, bounced back in a matter of minutes to draw level.
One of their most reliable scorers, Cordel Johnson, pulled KK Warriors back when he slotted home in the 21st minute.
Back and forth exchanges continued until the Raiders were awarded a penalty early in the second half which was subsequently missed by Seon Alfred much to the dismay of himself and teammates. Both the Warriors and the Raiders had to settle for a point each.
