In the opening match of Sunday’s triple-header at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ground, Victoria Kings defeated Monedderlust FC 2-1 to secure their spot in the “Big Four” play-offs in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Stag Elite League (season 2).
On a soggy outfield, the two teams produced an exciting match despite the scoreline as the contest was evenly matched in the opening 40 minutes. However, the Kings would have the last say as they scored twice in the final five minutes of the first half with former Slingerz FC captain Tichard Joseph poking home in the 41st minute while winger Akeem Holder scored in the 45th minute.
VICTORIA KINGS (Green) on the attack in their match against Monedderlust FC at the Guyana Defence Force Ground
Monedderlust, who seemingly were playing for pride, came out in the opening minutes of the second half guns blazing. Maybe it was the 2-0 advantage that Victoria Kings had but their defense switched off and allowed Monedderlust’s centre-back Nicholas Rodney to run through and on to goal to score in the 47th minute, leaving the match delicately poised. The East Coast of Demerara unit had a chance to put the game out of the reach of Monedderlust when their winger was played through on goal but only managed to shoot straight at the custodian.
With 20 minutes remaining Monedderlust scored a goal which was harshly disallowed as the linesman raised his flag for offside, the first of two decisions that were poorly judged.
In the closing minutes of the game, Victoria again spurned two glorious chances to cement their lead with poor shooting.
The victory means that up to press time Victoria Kings were in third position with 14 points while Monedderlust who were poor throughout the league are now relegated.
Should Buxton United win their match against Top XX they will pip Victoria Kings for third place, it would make no difference as both teams will go through to the play-offs with Fruta Conquerors and GDF already qualifying in first and second place respectively.
A detailed report of the other two matches will be published in a subsequent edition.
