"Come and support us"

By now, most persons in Trinidad and Tobago would know that our women's senior football team is on the cusp of a quite remarkable achievement, that's right the "Women Soca Warriors" as they've dubbed themselves are just one win away from World Cup qualification. In fact, the team has been a win away from a historic qualification berth for a few games but this time is different. This time it is a do or die situation and it's the last chance that both Ecuador and host T&T would have to qualify for next year's Women's World Cup to be staged in Canada. A first for either team if it happens.

Ecuador played to a near capacity crowd when they hosted the "Women Soca Warriors" in a high altitude Estadio Olmpico Atahualpa stadium back on November 8th and the local football administration promised a packed Hasely Crawford Stadium thereafter. The Warriors fought the altitude and their South American opponents hard to come away unscathed in a 0-0 result. A result which means that the onus is really on the host to win the game since the Ecuadorians will qualify with a drawn result, providing there are goals of course. It's an opportune time for the likes of Kennya Cordner, Ahkeela Mollon or veteran Tasha St. Louis to win the hearts of a nation forever.

Even with the match being so delicately poised coach Randy Waldrum does not expect a cagey encounter between the two teams. In an interview with Andre Errol Baptiste on WI Sports the coach stated that he does not foresee either team sitting back or even play for a draw in the encounter. He thanked the the government, TTFA and the fans for their support thus far and urged the spectators to be that 12th Warrior tomorrow, "Come out and support us." he lamented.

The "Women Soca Warriors" greet the girls primary schools finalists ahead of their national final earlier today.
Phtoto by TT Wolf

There has been a lot of heightened optimism and expectation surrounding the game with the general public, officials and players alike all expecting a T&T victory. The interest has been so great that the TTFA today sent out a press release which stated that there will only be a limited number of tickets (Uncovered $100, Covered $200) left to be sold at the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 10 a.m. tomorrow. The question is, do you have your ticket in hand? If the answer is no then have no fear because local radio stations I95.5, Mix 99.1, Power 102FM and 105 FM have all indicated that they will be airing the game which starts at 6 p.m. CNMG will also be bringing the game for those who can't stand to hear the announcer shouting when nothing significant is going on.


But if you do have your ticket in hand then by all means come and support the "Women Soca Warriors" in your red, black or white as they embark on creating history and taking this country to a Football World Cup once more. It should be epic!

Oops! Mucurapo do it again

My Social Media Class Project has come to an end but I have been encouraged to continue the blog so here goes. This is a report of Saturday's Intercol semi-final between East Mucurapo Secondary and San Juan North Secondary. 

East Mucurapo Secondary continued their Cinderella run in this year’s Coca Cola National Intercol competition with a one-nil victory over San Juan North Secondary in the semi-final round. Mucurapo is now just one win away from copping the National Intercol title, a stark contrast to their Premier Division campaign which ended in relegation. Mucurapo have now overcome the likes of St. Anthony’s, St. Mary’s, Speyside and San Juan in their Intercol journey and only St. Benedict’s College stand between them and Intercol glory. Benedict’s have also proven that they are no fluke and can boast of ousting the Premier Division and Big 4 Champs ‘Naps’ on their way to the grand finale.

The game itself at the Larry Gomes Stadium wasn’t the most beautiful to watch as both teams struggled to get the ball on the ground and moving around, often reverting to long balls. San Juan’s giant duo of Josiah Trimingham and Brent Sam did not seem to have their almost telepathic understanding yesterday and their team was sluggish without it. Trimingham was deployed at his natural centre-back, but a dissimilar role to the one he played most of the season as a defensive midfielder. His absence in the centre of the park allowed for Mucurapo’s Glenroy Pierre and Micah Lansiquof to dictate most of the midfield play.

After a goalless first half both teams tried to up the ante in search of that all-important go ahead goal. Sam would have been one of the prime men to break the deadlock but the San Juan captain found an alert Aaron Enil in the Mucurapo goal when he tried to squeeze a shot in at the near post in the 49^th minute. Kathon St. Hillaire also tried his luck at breeching the deadlock but the Mucurapo forward shot just over after cutting in from the right flank.

In truth, St. Hillaire was one of the liveliest players on the pitch and often had Brandon Semper and Jamal Roach scampering on Mucurapo’s right flank to try and contain him. The wily forward got his just reward in the 71^st minute when an attempted clearance by Trimingham cannoned off him and settled neatly in the back of the net; San Juan’s custodian D’Eandre Villaroel was a mere spectator. It was a goal that summed up the match up to that point, scrappy. St. Hilliare’s teammates could care less how the goal came though and dashed after him hoping to get a hold of the man of the moment. St. Hilliarie stopped his runaway celebration by trying to calm down his teammates. 

San Juan’s coach Jerry Moe responded by making two substitutions in quick succession while also thrusting Trimingham a little further forward. The move to put Trimingham in an advanced role almost reaped reward in the 81^st minute but he was unable to keep his shot under the bar after Enil spilled a lofted delivery that came into the box. 

The big Josiah Trimingham tried his utmost to restore parity in the contest and almost did. Here he is in action vs St. Mary's College earlier on in the season.

The Bourg boys were finally showing urgency and even played ‘ball-boy’ for the Mucurapo players, as there were none available. The deadly Sam now turned into a long throw specialist and ushered his players into the penalty area, although he would have been better served being there himself.

San Juan did muster one last effort but Trimingham’s low right-footed drive was stylishly stopped by Enil in stoppage time. Pierre almost added the icing on top for the Mucurapo boys but his inventive finesse effort went just wide.

As it turned out a second item was not needed for the boys in burgundy as St. Hilliare’s fortunate effort, though he may claim otherwise, was the only goal of the contest.

 

San Juan North Secondary 0

East Mucurapo Secondary 1 (Kathon St. Hillaire 71)

Larry Gomes Stadium

(Fri Dec 5)

Girls’ Intercol final

Point Fortin East Secondary v St Augustine Secondary, 3 pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

Boys’ Intercol final

St Benedict’s College v East Mucurapo Secondary, 5 pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Last Post? My Favourite Sporting Moments

In this post, which may well be the last for my Class Project, I will reflect on my five favourite sporting moments to date. I am just 21 years of age so my favourite moments would not go far back. In fact my five favourite moments have all been within the past decade or so, therefore I trust that you will be familiar.

My favourite sports are cricket, football and athletics; and these very sporting disciplines make up my Top 5 Sporting Moments. This top 5 showcases some outstanding feats accomplished by sons of the soil and also the wider Caribbean. I hope you enjoy my Top 5 and I'm certain that one (or two) of these is fond in your memory as well.

5. Keshorn Walcott's Gold Medal Javelin Throw

Gold Medalist Keshorn Walcott shows off his new jewelry
Photo Courtesy Getty Images

This could have probably been higher given that we share a surname and all but Keshorn's outstanding effort at the 2012 London Olympics comes in at 5. This feat was made all the more incredible to me because Keshorn was still a junior and at the time was the World Junior Champ in the Javelin. This was not enough success for the Toco native though as his 84.58 metre throw topped his more experienced competitors and saw him capturing the second Olympic Gold Medal in this country's history. He shattered many records with his gigantic toss which included the national record mark for the Men's Javelin event, a mark which he has since increased to a staggering 85.77 metres. He also became the youngest Javelin Gold Medalist at the Olympics (aged 19 years, 131 days) and the first athlete to be the Junior and Olympic champ in the same year.                                                                                                                      


4. Brian Lara's Record Breaking 400 not out vs England

The Prince of Port of Spain rightfully reclaimed his record of having the highest individual score in a Test match innings when he battered the English bowling attack on a placid Antigua Recreational Ground pitch in April 2004. Lara's feat came some 10 years after his record breaking 375 against the same opposition and at the same venue; someone say deja vu? Australian opening batsman Matthew Hayden had eclipsed Lara's 375 just months earlier but the classy left-hander was not having it. He put a torrid tour for himself and his West Indies team behind him with the groundbreaking effort, an effort which still stands untouched to this day. I was not witness to his 277 or his 501, so this 400 not out will have to do.

                                     Here is just a sample of what the 'Prince' did to England
                                     Video Taken from Youtube


3. Richard Thompson's Olympic Silver Medal in the 100m

Thompson's silver medal effort at the Beijing Olympics ranks a high third. The Men's 100 metre dash is probably the event that I show the keenest interest in when it comes to athletics, and even more so for the Olympic Games. "Thorpedo" bettered the likes of former world record holders Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay en route to his 9.89 (personal best at the time) second place finish in a final which was one by Usain Bolt. I think it's one of my favorite moments since I've always longed to see a Trini win Olympic Gold in one of the sprint events. Thompson did not get the gold but he was dang close; two tenths of a second close. The guy who beat him doesn't seem human anyway.

                                     
                                           Running against Bolt isn't even fair
                                           Video put together by Fraser Cairnduff



2. West Indies Champions Trophy Triumph in 2004

This was not too long after Lara's amazing 400* so West Indian fans had a lot to be happy about, and about time too. The West Indies cricket team had not won a trophy for over two decades and all I had known up to this point was heartache and teary eyes. Well the Bajan duo of Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw changed this when they dug the Windies out of a dicey situation at The Oval in England to upset the hosts. West Indies was batting 147 for 8 when the pair came together at the crease, still some 71 runs away from victory. I still had an inkling of hope at the time. The veteran pair turned that hope into unimaginable joy as they battled and toiled hard in the dimming evening light to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. Bradshaw even borrowed a classic Lara cover-drive to seal the win.

Bradshaw and Browne celebrate to Alex Wharf's displeasure
Photo Courtesy Getty Images

1. T&T's qualification for the 2006 World Cup in Germany

This of course had to be Number 1

There are many fond memories from the "Soca Warriors" qualifying campaign for the 2006 football World Cup. However the one that stands out the most in my memory is the majestic header by the Dennis Lawrence against Bahrain which made this country's dreams of playing in a World Cup more than just a fantasy. The 6' 6" defender used all of his long frame to meet Dwight Yorke's corner and head into the Bahrain goal to cement his county's place in World Cup football history.
                               
                                                            Lawrence books the ticket to Germany
                                                                   Video taken from Youtube
                                                         

The other moments that should not be forgotten in the campaign include Chris Birchall's thunderous goal in the first leg of this very tie; Stern John's double vs Mexico to keep qualification hopes alive; and Kelvin Jack's stupendous stoppage time save in the second leg against Bahrain that helped secure that qualification spot.

My mum was fortunate enough to see the drama unfold in Germany as the "Soca Warriors" left an impression on the World. She brought back some souvenirs with her as well.

The Warriors line up for kickoff vs Paraguay in the final group match.
Photo courtesy Claudette Noel

Two Honourable Mentions are West Indies' triumph in the T20 World Cup in 2012 which was done in Gangnam Style and Paul Scholes' screamer vs Barcelona in the 2008 Champions League semi-final which paved the way for my team Manchester United to win it all in the final. What a goal though!

I have a feeling that December 2nd could provide many locals with another fond sporting memory. 

What do you think?

What are your favourite sporting moments?

Warriors escape to final with draw

The "Soca Warriors" advanced to the final of this year's edition of the Caribbean Cup after a goalless draw with Cuba at the Montego Bay Sport Complex in Jamaica last night. The defending champions Cuba needed a victory heading into the Group A match in order to top T&T in the group standings and then qualify for the final but that did not happen. This edition of the Caribbean Cup has no semi-final round and the teams that top the two groups will meet in a final instead. The "Warriors" did that honor last night and will now face either Haiti or the host Jamaica in Tuesday's final.

After a relatively good start to the game in the first five or so minutes, the "Warriors" backline began to look sluggish and invited the Cubans onto them. The Cuban front trio of Yoandir Puga, Ariel Martinez and Armando Curoneaux linked up to dangerous effect and the latter came close to scoring on a couple of occasions. First in the 8th minute Curoneaux was played in on goal by Puga after some nice play down the the left hand side but the speedy attacker failed to bend his shot around the big frame of Jan-Michael Williams. He forced Williams into action again eight minutes later after receiving a ball over the top of the two T&T central defenders but his stinging shot was palmed away for a corner.

Curoneaux and Cuba could count themselves really unlucky for not being awarded a penalty in the 22nd minute as Curoneaux again found himself beyond the defense but this time he was impeded in his progress by T&T defender Carlyle Mitchell; no foul given (it should have been though). This was just a small part of the shaky showing by Mitchell and his defensive partner Yohance Marshall on the night as the pair was prone to errors for much of the match.

Taking no prisoners: Mitchell in Caribbean Cup action in 2012.
Photo credit: Allan V. Crane

T&T's first real chance of the game, and quite possibly the best one fell to captain Kenwyne Jones in the 33rd minute. The burly Cardiff City striker was however unable to direct his header on goal after meeting a Cordell Cato corner. Kenwyne's namesake Joevin Jones had a crack at goal himself just moments later but the  utility player failed to cap off his neat one-two with Ataulla Guerra with a shot on target.

The second half was far less exciting than the first as both teams dropped their tempo considerably and seemed to be playing for a draw, a result which would see both through to next year's Gold Cup. Cuba's danger trio weren't as menacing as before, and that could be understood given that it was the third game the teams were playing in five days.

Referee Trevor Taylor probably had a tougher job than most in the second half as he tried his utmost it seems to keep 22 players on the pitch. Cuba's Alberto Gomez was a fortunate man to stay on the field following his dangerous sliding tackle that left T&T's diminutive Leston Paul riving in agony in the 63rd minute. Taylor had to have his wits about him again in the 75th minute as things threatened to escalate between T&T's skipper Jones and defender Renay Malblanche after the Cuban defender was a bit too aggressive for Jones' liking. No cards were shown in this incident.

As the game drew closer to an end both teams looked to have settled for the nil all result and were just casually knocking the ball around, but maybe a bit too casual. Mitchell under hit a back pass to Williams in the T&T goal and Martinez looked certain to get on the end of it but was tugged back by the "Warrior" just outside the box. With Mitchell being the last man this surely had to be a red card, but to Mitchell's relief the card that flashed before him was yellow.

                             Highlights of T&T's victory over Curacao in the Caribbean Cup opener.
                                                           Video by: TTFA

With the game already into stoppage time Martinez was left with a glorious chance to win in it all for his team but his left-footed free kick was easily dealt with by the composed Williams. Goalless it finished then and the "Warriors" had ousted the defending champs, though not convincingly.

Will coach Stephen Hart go with this same centre-back pairing in the final come Tuesday? I highly doubt it.

St. Anthony's flatten QRC in Intercol action

St. Anthony’s College rebounded from their Big Four disappoint eleven days ago to come away with a comfortable 4-1 win over QRC in Intercol action in Westmoorings yesterday. The ‘Tigers’ were not at their fluent best against the recently promoted Royalians but still created and converted enough to please their home fans. Talisman Matthew Woo Ling was available again after serving a suspension and his mere presence uplifted the ‘Tigers’ attack which lacked potency in that pivotal Big Four decider against Naparima College.

It was Woo Ling’s lofted 25^th minute corner which provided the route for St. Anthony’s opening item as lanky midfielder Denzil Woods stole in at the back post to head in unchallenged past QRC custodian Jadel Poon Lewis. Poon Lewis saw the ball headed into the back of his net in the very next minute but he would have been relieved to hear the whistle of referee Ishmael Mohammed who blew for an offside against Kwesi ‘‘Jep’’ Allen.

There was no such help for the QRC backline just moments later though as Seth Knight was adjudged to have fouled the Premier Division’s top scorer Allen following a Woo ling corner. ‘‘Jep’’ took the penalty himself and dispatched it to make it 2-nil to the ‘Tigers’ in the 30^th minute.

The Royalians offered very little by way of goalmouth threat during the first half and most of their attention was paid to the dangerous duo of Allen and Woo Ling. The strongly built Joshua Prescott looked like the man who was placed with the task of disrupting the ‘Tigers’ play through the middle, and that he tried, sometimes too rough for the liking of the home faithful.

The QRC coaching staff give a stern talk to the team at half time

Despite this, St.Anthony’s made it three in the 48^th minute as Woods turned provider for Woo Ling. Woods cushioned a lovely right-sided cross into the path of Woo Ling who beat the offside trap before coolly applying his finishing touch; it was like a training ground move and the muted celebration reflected that. QRC probably should have pulled a goal back in the 57^th minute but striker Joash Williams failed to keep his header down after he was able to steal some precious yards in the opposing box, much to the displeasure of coach Nigel Grosvenor.

The ‘Tigers’ went on to put the result beyond all reasonable doubt in the 74^th minute when Allen sent a glancing header past Poon Lewis. Woo Ling’s set piece delivery was again the cause of QRC’s demise as they failed to deal with another one of the national youth player’s left-footed crosses.

Matthew Woo Long ominously stands over a dead ball

QRC’s Williams somewhat made up for his earlier miss in the 76^th as he sent ‘Tigers’ goalie Carlton Alfonso the wrong way from the penalty spot after being fouled in the area. This goal would be all the Royalians had to celebrate on the day however and they definitely would be hoping for some better fortune when they come up against the ‘big boys’ in the Premier division next season.

St. Anthony’s on the other hand will be doing battle with East Mucurapo Secondary in the North Zone Intercol Semis come next week Tuesday. 

Naparima reigns supreme

Naparima College clinched the BGTT/First Citizens Big Four title on Saturday with a 2-2 draw with St. Anthony's College at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella. 'Naps' just needed to avoid defeat to capture their second trophy of the season, and they did exactly that. There were some nervous tension among the 'Naps' faithful when 'Tigers' striker Kwesi Allen bundled in a goal in the last minute of stoppage time.However, that tension was soon turned into euphoria when the match announcer reassured the crowd that the game would not go to extra time or penalty kicks since it was indeed a 'league game' in this new Big Four format. This therefore meant that 'Naps' won the title by having a superior goal difference to their Westmooring opponents.
Initially, it did not look like Naparima would need goal difference or the match announcer to secure the Big Four title as they were able to establish a 2-nil lead within the first ten minutes. First in the 5th minute, midfielder Akinola Gregory smoothly jinked past a number of half-hearted St. Anthony's challenges before placing his right-footed shoot beyond the reach of Carlton Alfonso in the 'Tigers' goal. Alfonso was made to pick up the ball from the back of the net just two minutes later as National Under-20 striker Nicholas Dillon beat him easily after being played through on goal. I for one thought that Naparima would run away with this game given their unbelievable start, but I was wrong. St. Anthony's pulled a goal back in the very next minute as their defensive midfielder Leon Whlye nudged in a loose ball after the Naparima defenders failed to deal with a corner.
It was anybody's guess as to how the game would go from here on; and my guess was that at least four more goals would be scored but I was left hugely disappointed on that front.
Naparima's star player Jabari Mitchell showed some glimpses of coming to life but but looked intent on trying his luck from long range. He found Alfonso to be a very good match when he had his stinging long range effort palmed over the bar in the 31st minute. He was then able to escape the finger tips of the St. Anthony's custodian with a free kick just before half time but his his curling shot just would not dip in time. At the other end Akeem Awong was a bit underworked in the 'Naps' goal as the absence of St. Anthony's talisman Matthew Woo-Ling told heavily. Woo-Ling must have been regretting his earlier booking as he had to endure this decisive clash from the stands.
St. Anthony's started the second half in the same vein 'Naps' started the first but the telling difference was that there was no end product. Their coach Nigel Grovsenor made his intentions clear when he brought on striker Andrew Rullow to replace wide player Jules Lee in the 48th minute. Rullow left his coach and supporters alike cursing their luck in the 53rd minute though as he somehow managed an 'air shot' with the goal at his mercy. His strike partner Allen almost redeemed him just seconds later but his powerful shot rippled the side netting.

'Naps' were now reeling and probably had Rullow to thank for maintaining their one-goal advantage. The lanky striker looked a sure bet to score in the 65th minute but again failed to find the net, this time hitting his shot straight at Awong after being played through one-on-one. Allen on the other hand continued to look dangerous and would have scored if not for an alert Awong in the 'Naps' goal. The 'Tigers' top goalscorer could not add to his tally as he saw his venomous left-footed effort well saved by the 'Naps' goalie who was having a solid game.
The game inched closer and closer to the final whistle and 'Naps' looked as though they had dealt with the Tigers' wrath. Their coach Angus Eve chopped and changed as he sought to protect his team's advantage, taking off the two goalscorers in the process.
The 90 minutes were now up and it was just a matter of time before referee Cecile Hinds blew her whistle for the final time. She was made to wait a bit however as that man Kwesi 'Jep' Allen was finally able to find the back of the net. An ill-advised back pass in Naparima's final third led to a mad scramble in the area where the 'Tigers' swarmed the box and in the end Allen was the one that squeezed his shot through the crowd.

Naparima captain Amritt Gidharry holds poses with the Big Four trophy. 

Allen's goal was the last scoring action in the game and it meant that Naps' ten minute burst in the first half had just about done the trick for them. 'Naps' have now won the Premier Division title and the Big Four this season and I definitely would not put an Intercol triumph beyond them.

'Birdie' ready to take flight

Raheem Belgrave, better known as ‘Birdie’ is a young goalkeeper with dreams of representing this country at the very highest level. He is on the right track too, having already represented T&T at the Under-17 and Under-20 levels in his junior years. The former St. Mary’s College standout made his professional debut last week in the First Citizens Cup semi-finals and was almost able to inspire his Jabloteh team to victory in a penalty shootout. 

‘Birdie’ has a battle on his hands to secure the #1 spot for Jabloteh though as Jamaican custodian Shane Mattis has been in good form so far this season and will be anxious to get back between the sticks once he has fully recuperated from his injury.

I was able to catch up with ‘Birdie’ recently and found out a bit more about the promising goalkeeper.

Belgrave Profile

Full Name: Raheem Belgrave

Nickname: Birdie

DoB: 7 November 1992

Hometown: D’Abadie

Schools: St. Mary’s College, University of the Southern Caribbean

Position: GK

Favorite Player: Adam Johnson (Admires his humility and skill level)

Best advice received: Do your best because that’s the best you can do (Rolie Polie Olie TV Show)

Major Teams: T&T U-17, T&T U-20, Jabloteh

'Birdie' (left) in greener days: Sharing a light moment with then St. Mary's captain Kyle Beggs.
Photo Courtesy CaptainU

Q&A

Q: When and where did you learn the basics of the game? And who taught you?
A: In primary school, the coaches of skhy would work with us as children. At that point I was not motivated to be a footballer. Entering St. Mary’s College, I felt my passion for the game begin to grow. I returned to SKHY and with the guidance of both Colin and Dexter Skeene and Joel Hyacinth, my potential was being molded. I must thank them for aiding me in becoming the player I am today.

Q: How has the transition been from Secondary School and youth football to Pro ball?

A: It was quick. Playing in the secondary school’s football league I had somewhat made a name for myself especially after making the junior national team. The levels and intensity of training is definitely a step up because unlike in youth football, professional football is your job, your career.

Q: Why do you think so many of our young players fall through the cracks?

A: There are so many external influences both positive and negative that circulate around us. As time goes by the difficulty of staying focused on your goal becomes much harder. Without proper coaching and guidance at junior levels, this trend of ‘players falling through the cracks will continue.

Q: You went on a trip to England recently. What was the main goal of your trip?

A: My main goal (or goals) were to attain a professional contract, get into the English footballing system and begin my career.

Q: How was the experience?

A: I would describe the experience as very enlightening. It’s interesting how a couple months in the home of football could open your eyes as much as they did mine. I’ve made many friends, met various coaches, visited some of the best stadiums in England and my list continues. I intend on returning in the near future.

Q: What are your immediate and future plans?

A: In the short term, I would like to continue training with my goal in mind, learn from the experience that I have around me so that my game can develop. In the medium term, I would love to make the national U23 Olympics team in hopes of going to RIO 2016 and finally, my long term plan is to play top level football in England, namely the premier league and represent Trinidad and Tobago in a World Cup.

Q: What would you like to achieve before your career is over?

A: Representing Trinidad and Tobago at a senior level is a must for me. I am very Passionate about the sport and about my country as well. Also, know that I have assisted others in attaining their goal as well. It’s all about the future. Playing in both the premier and Champions league are two other personal achievements id like to fulfill as well.

Q: What advice would you give to young promising footballers such as yourself?

A: Always have a goal in mind. You can always become better. Listen to your coaches and people with experience because they have been in your position already and should aid you in making far less mistakes that you would have made were you on your own.

'Jep' stings late to keep Tigers Big Four dreams alive

A hat-trick by striker Kwesi "Jep" Allen saw St. Anthony's defeat San Juan North Secondary 4-3 in their BGTT/First Citizens Big Four match yesterday. Allen scored in the 84th minute to snatch the win for his team in what was a frenetic game. The win leaves the 'Tigers' with some hopes of snatching the Big Four title away from Naparima as both teams are level on points ahead of their pivotal decider on Saturday. 'Naps' defeated Speyside 5-2 yesterday and therefore hold the upper hand on St. Anthony's by way of goal difference.
St. Anthony's had the better of the opening exchanges in the blistering heat at Westmoorings but it was the boys in green who drew first blood. In the 18th minute San Juan captain Brent Sam easily dispossessed centre-back Isaiah McIntyre on the edge of the box before slamming a left-footed shot past Tigers goalkeeper Carlton Alfonso. San Juan's joy was very much short-lived though as the home team found themselves back on terms from the penalty spot just three minutes later through their National Under-20 midfielder Matthew Woo-Ling.
As if not to be outdone, Woo-Ling's Under-20 teammate Josiah Trimingham scored mere seconds afterward to restore parity to San Juan. The massive Trimingham; who looks like a man amongst boys really, rose brilliantly to head in a a cross by winger Brandon Semper that almost shouted out "score me", it was that good. The goal left 'Tigers' Alfonso baffled, while it had the 'Bourg' boys jumping with sheer delight.
San Juan's lead lasted all of nine minutes this time as Allen finally introduced himself to the game. First the speedy St. Anthony's striker easily tucked away a through ball to beat the outrushing D'Eandre Villaroel. And if that was not simple enough Allen beat Villaroel again in the 37th minute, this time heading in a well-floated Leon Whyle cross beyond the custodian who had again rushed off his line.

St. Anthony's playmaker Matthew Woo-Ling is ready to put in a teasing free-kick.

The second half started as lively as the first as Sam got into a war of words with an opposing player. The big #9 then took out those frustrations on Mawasi Lewis in the 51st minute as he wrestled his opposing skipper off before clinically sliding past Alfonso. The 'Tigers' skipper gestured to a tug of his shirt but it was to no avail. The game was now well balanced at three apiece and set up for an enthralling climax.
The chances mainly fell the way of St. Anthony's thereafter but San Juan still looked threatening, especially when the ball was at the feet of either Sam or Trimingham. The St. Anthony's coach constantly echoed....
"Don't give him (Sam) the left, don't give him the left!"
Meanwhile, the midfield battle between Trimingham and Woo-Ling raged on but the latter looked to have a better supporting cast. Whyle and his midfield partner Denzel Woods put in a very good shift in the midfield and did their best to restrict the powerhouse that was Trimingham.

The 'Tigers' faithful held their breath as Sam rose to meet a cross in the 80th but the striker's header went just wide. They were dancing and chanting just a few minutes later though as that man 'Jep' showed up once more. He escaped the attention of Trimingham following a set piece and applied a sweet left-footed volley that nestled in the bottom corner and beyond the reach of Villaroel in the San Juan goal.
San Juan tried to up the ante after the Tiger's go ahead goal but the pendulum had swung for the last time. The result means that that they are out of the Big Four running while St. Anthony's must defeat Naparima on Saturday in order to become Big Four Champions. 

Penalties, and more penalties

The two semi-finals of the First Citizens Cup played at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Friday evening failed to live up to my expectations. I was expecting to see lots of goals and also non-stop excitement; there was barely either. Both games were decided on penalty kicks after being goalless through the 90 minutes of regulation time and after the dust had settled Central FC and North East Stars emerged as the two winners. Central defeated Police 3-1 while North East got the better of San Juan Jabloteh by a 4-3 margin.

The second game of the evening’s double-header involving North East Stars and Jabloteh promised a lot in the early stages but in the end delivered very little. The Stars bolted out of the gates and looked set to give Jabloteh’s custodian Shane Mattis a long night as attacker Keron Cummings stung the big Jamaican’s finger tips with a left-footed drive in only the first minute. Much of the first half play headed towards Mattis’ goal thereafter but The Stars just could not get that clinical touch. Their precise and sharp passing caused a few problems for the Jabloteh backline within the first half hour and it even forced a collision in the Jabloteh penalty area. Mattis called for and collected a tame looking through ball which was intended for Stars striker Tyrone Charles and subsequently collided with one of his defenders in his follow through. The innocuous looking challenge left Mattis sprawling on the ground and in need of attention. He was then stretchered off after receiving treatment for approximately seven minutes.

Mattis’ replacement Raheem Belgrave was sprung into action almost immediately in the 37^th minute but was bailed out after Stars midfielder Taryk Sampson had his shot blocked after being played through on goal. Belgrave had to be on his toes again three minutes later as the in-form Charles found himself with a glorious opportunity from point-blank range but could only find Belgrave who was able to collect gleefully on the second attempt. Stars were almost made to pay for their wastefulness just before the end of the first half as Jabloteh full-back Jevon Morris found himself in a promising position after some neat work by Kerry Baptiste and Newton Sterling. Morris was unable to keep his effort on target though and looked on agonizingly as his left-footed shot sailed pass Cleon John’s right-hand post. 

Much of the sting was taken out of the game in the second half as both teams looked to have the shootout on their minds. There were still some great chances to win it in regulation time though and a couple of those fell to Charles who would have wished he took his shooting boots with him to Couva. First in the 62^nd minute the striker outpaced two Jabloteh defenders to make a long ball his but only managed to find the frame of Belgrave after the goalkeeper rushed off his line. Then in the 72^nd he failed to apply a finishing touch to a precise Kennedy Hinkson cross. 

As was the case in the first half, Jabloteh was almost able to snatch the game away from North East as the veteran Baptiste saw his shot skim off the post in the 81^st minute. Baptiste found himself in acres of space in the penalty area following a lucky ricochet but his right-footed shot just would not roll in.  

 

North East Stars midfielder Kion Joseph had the honors of sending his team through to the final as he coolly tucked away the tenth kick in the shootout to give his team a 4-3 win.

Central FC midfielder Jean Luc Rochford prepares to deliver a corner kick

 In the earlier of the two games Central FC goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams stole the show as he came up with three saves in the penalty shootout to see his team to victory. Central created the better of the chances during regulation time but were wasteful. This was largely down to sloppy finishing by Jason Marcano and Ataulla Guerra, and some fine work by Police's custodian Adrian Foncette.