Slingerz, Monedderlust one step closer to Elite League promotion

Two exhilarating matchups lit up the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, Kingston on Friday night in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) organized-Elite League Promotional Playoff semifinal stage. And when the dust had settled, it was West Demerara Football Association’s (WDFA) Slingerz Football Club and Berbice Football Association’s (BFA) Monedderlust Football Club who were rejoicing, as they had moved one step closer to sealing a spot in the Elite League.
Both of these teams played undefeated thus far in the competition. The semifinal round pitted Slingerz against Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA-Linden) Winners’ Connection, while Monedderlust came up against Georgetown Football Association’s (GFA) Beacon FC.
Maintaining their unbeaten streak that has extended from their Association League to this competition, Slingerz pulled off a comfortable 3-0 win over their opponents from the mining town of Linden.

Simeon Moore, playing an attacking role on the night, was rewarded for his efforts first in the 26th minute, as he gave Slingerz the 1-0 lead. Just before the half expired, Moore added to the Slingerz tally in the 45th+3.
While Winners Connection looked composed in the second segment, and managed to keep the ever-attacking Slingerz at bay, their efforts were not good enough to pose a threat to the star-studded West Demerara team.
Then the up-and-coming teenage sensation Bryan Wharton, who just came off a highest goal-scorer’s performance in the KFC International Goodwill series, weaved through the defenses of his seniors to connect with the nets in the 90th+3, adding the icing on the cake for Slingerz.

Speaking on the team’s ascension to the Promotional Playoff final, Slingerz FC Head Coach Charles Pollard, while grateful for the win, was not too content with the performance in the semifinal.
Pollard told media operatives following the game, “Basically, I didn’t think we played well in both halves; I think we need to dominate the game more. I think we are better, better individuals in our team and good quality, but I’m trying to change the mindset of the players, and not just Slingerz players; the concept of football in Guyana. I think we saw the football one way. For years I’m playing, and I said when I become a coach I want to change it.”
The second semifinal between Georgetown’s Beacon FC and Monedderlust FC was filled with thrills from the very first minute, but it was the apparent underdogs that eventually came out on top.
Beacon FC lost the services of their goalkeeper, who was sent off in the 20th minute owing to an infraction outside his area. This turned out to be a key factor in their loss, although Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams’s 33rd-minute strike from the top of the box to put Beacon ahead masked their troubles for a while.
However, with their opponents down to ten men and a visibly inexperience campaigner manning the nets, Monedderlust’s Kevin Cottoy took advantage of the situation and equalised in the 38th with a soft tap into the goal.

Before the half ended, Beacon’s goalkeeping woes haunted them again, as an own goal resulted in Monedderlust securing the half-time lead, 2-1. The Berbice outfit remained steadfast, and did well to lock down the experienced ‘Awo’ Abrams in the second half.
Terrence Lewis and Teron Delph found the back of the net in the respective 53rd and 83rd minutes to ensure Monedderlust the 4-1 victory.
The Elite League Promotional Playoff final is set for next Saturday, January 6, 2024, with the winner of the Slingerz vs Monedderlust contest sealing their spot in the fast-approaching 6th edition of the Elite League.
In addition, the losing finalist will have an opportunity to challenge Victoria Kings for their spot in the League.
Linden’s Milerock FC was relegated from the Elite League after this year’s 5th edition, having finished at the bottom of the ten-team League. Victoria Kings, while still having a chance to fight for their spot, can also face relegation as a consequence of finishing 9th in this year’s league.