Western Tigers is the first team to register a victory in the second annual Petra/Limacol round-robin knock-out football tournament when they fought their way to a 2-1 win over New Amsterdam United on Thursday evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC), Bourda, while the second match of the double
Joshua Britton
header, saw Santos FC drawing 1-1 with Ann’s Grove United.
Watched in front of sizeable crowd, Western Tigers who were touted as the favorites prior to the match certainly had to work hard to walk away with that tag, as in the early exchanges it was any team’s match to control.
A lapse in defence by the Berbice unit allowed for the Tigers to go one ahead in the 3rd minute with an own goal.
The nimble Joshua Britton then added, the match winning goal in the 9th minute slotting home from the right side inside the penalty area.
There was still much more action in the first half as striker Jamal Butts kept the Tigers on their heels with some solos runs but an opportunity at revival came when Quinn Hazel reduced the deficit in the 36th minute.
Surprisingly, the second half proved to be rather dull as neither side were able to mount any precision-like attacks on their opponent.
Meanwhile, the second fixture between Santos and Ann’s Grove certainly brought the crowd to life from the blow of the whistle as both sides went at each other in the riveting encounter.
The talented Job Caesar along with compatriots, Keith Canes and Orlando
Western Tigers (yellow and black) and New Amsterdam United players engaged in a tussle for ball possession
Ricketts had the game going at a fast pace.
The East Coast unit had a response of their own, via the attack of Oswald Duke and Ryan Searles but despite both sides’ efforts to break the deadlock, the score remained the same at half-time.
The game changing goal occurred in the 66th minute when Canines scored and it seemed smooth sailing for Santos as they looked to secure their position.
In keeping, with the trills the match produced throughout the night Ann’s Grove managed to find an equalizer in injury time (90+1) when Trevor Lewis gave away an own goal and his team’s three points.
Tonight the final matches of round one will pit Linden’s Winners Connection against Grove Hi-Tech from 18:30h then another Linden side in defending champions Milerock will tackle Northern Rangers from 20:30h at the aforementioned venue.
The top teams complete for a $500,000 first place prize while second to third will receive $250,000, $125,000 and $75,000 respectively.
In addition, the top teams in the groups will be rewarded $100,000, $50,000, $30,000 and $20,000.
Other than title sponsors Limacol, the organisers have also managed to gain the support of Bank DIH under their GT Beer brand, Star Party Rentals and Trophy Stall.
