After an intense battle on Saturday evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), Bourda, Western Tigers edged Guyana Police Force FC 1-0 to win the second annual Petra-organised Limacol Round-robin Knock-out Football Tournament.
Cedric Hunte (left) and Keon Seares kept Winners Connection in the match with their goal apiece
The hard-fought victory was orchestrated via a stunning free-kick from Collin Nelson in the 19th minute. Just on the outskirts of the penalty area, Nelson whipped his right foot around the ball and sailed it into the top right-hand corner of the net, just dipping under the cross-bar to send the massive crowd into frenzy.
The lawmen tried desperately to equalise but they failed to finish the sprightful chances they created in the first half.
Late in the half, Cleon Forrester had a chance to extend the lead after gaining control of a loose ball in the box but his left-foot shot sent it inches wide of the target.
Stunner! Collin Nelson’s free-kick made the difference between the two finalists (Marceano Narine photo)
Police had an invigorating second half as they continued their pursuit of the critical equaliser. One of the best possible chances came in the 65th minute when Junior Gordon missed a simple shot on goal from the left side.
From there on, the star duo of Dwain Jacobs and Quincy Holder attempted to run rampant at the Tigers’ defence, but steely defending by Linden Pickett and company ensured there was no change in the outcome of the match.
For their battling effort, the West Ruimveldt unit won $500,000 and the championship trophy while the lawmen received $300,000 and their accolade.
Meanwhile, the third place play-off between Santos and Winners Connection had many more thrills as that match was decided by penalty kicks after the scores were locked at 2-2, with Winners Connection eventually winning 5-3 from the spot kicks.
Earlier, Keon Seares in the 27th minute had put the Linden-based unit ahead, but Santos found their equaliser in the 77th minute via an Orin Yard goal.
Santos then took the lead in the 83rd due to Keith Caines’s breach, but Cedric Hunte levelled the scores in the 85th minute.
Winners Connection won $200,000 while Santos took $100,000 and the corresponding title.
At the post match presentation the organisers expressed great appreciation for the their sponsors such Limacol, Banks DIH Limited under the GT Beer Brand; Trophy Stall and Star Party Rentals and the patrons who attend the matches over the duration of the exciting tournament.
