The Linden leg of the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Football Championships kicked-off on Sunday evening and defending champions Team 25 made a promising start to their title defence by defeating South Stars 3-1 at the Mackenzie Market Park.
The trio of Tevin Crawford, Teon Stewart and Ryan Noel scored in the 2nd, 6th and 12th respectively while Steve Lancaster made his mark in the 14th minute for the defeated.
Likewise, Main Street Panthers won 3-1 against the Unknowns on the back of goals by Kevin Kennedy (7th), Keshawn Dey (10th) and Osea Waddell (13th). An own goal in the 16th minute gave Unknowns some consolation.
Amelia’s Ward Russians also got the better of Constab by a 3-1 margin due to a brace by Shawn Daniels (7th & 19th) and own goal in the 18th minute; Samuel Gilbert had equalised the scores in the 8th minute.
Team 25 (yellow) got the best possible start to their title defence on Sunday evening at the Mackenzie Market Park
The highest victory margin of the night came when Jermaine and Family Silver Bullets defeated High Stars 6-1. Hat-tricks by Damian Williams (4th, 12th & 14th) and Jermaine Smauels (11th, 17th & 18th) ensured the crushing victory; Michael Henry scored Stars lone goal in the 11th.
Similarly, Wayne Milo’s 14th minute goal lead Dream Chasers to a 1-0 victory over Speightland and High Rollers won 3-2 on sudden death penalty kicks after their match ended in a scoreless draw.
A 3-2 penalty kicks outcome gave Dave and Celina All-Stars the win over Ripping Bullets after their match ended 1-1. Bullets took the lead in the 6th minute via Jonathan Frederick but All-Stars responded in the 8th minute with Keon Sears.
Matches will continue this evening at the same venue from 18:00h when Goal Getters face Good Fellas followed by Aroaima Colo Colo against Future Stars. Hardknocks will then oppose Cherokee Park while Mile Star tackles Coomacka. Amazings will then lock horns with Bourda All-Stars after which Attackers clash with Young Lions. The night’s final two matches will be Running Guns versus Train Line Warriors and Swag Entertainment against Magic Stars.
The teams are battling for a top prize of $400,000 and the championship trophy, while second, third and fourth placed finishers collect $150,000, $75,000 and $50,000 respectively.
