'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.