GDF & Camptown to contest Banks Premium Beer final tonight

Apr 19, 2009 Sports

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Army softens Alpha in 2nd semi-final 2-1

By Franklin Wilson
The knock-out kings of football in the city will be decided tonight at the Tucville ground when the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) faces off against Sunburst Camptown in the final of the 2nd annual Banks Premium Beer competition.

The GDF, after trailing, rebounded to soften a star studded Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United in the second semi-final contested on Friday evening. Camptown had needled Fruta Conquerors in the first semi last week at the same venue.
Who ever walks away with victory tonight will also take bragging rights as the best knock-out team in the city.
Both sides boast a number of solid players who have executed their plans well during the tournament and with the final hurdle to cross, whoever executes their plan the best, will win the crown. Preceding the final is the third place game between Alpha and Fruta Conquerors.
The champion team will receive $300,000 with the losing finalist pocketing $150,000 while $75,000 is set aside for the third placed team and $50,000 for fourth. MVP, highest goal scorer and best goalkeeper will also be rewarded.

The Soldiers were in top form on Friday evening in destroying the challenge of Alpha United, just off elimination from the Caribbean Football Union’s Club Champions Cup by Haiti’s Tempete FC.
At no juncture during the encounter was the Army intimidated by the strong line-up Alpha presented, led by National Captain Charles Pollard and defence twin Howard Lowe controlling things at the back.
In fact, the Soldiers were relentless in offence as they have been in taking out defending champions Pele at the quarter-final stage and mauling first division side Houston Stars 8-0 in their group of 16, clash.
Alpha’s forward Dwain Jacobs attacking down the left flank created some early problems for the Army but they were able to stem the threat as the game progressed. Alpha’s strategy from the start was very positive but they were matched with similar zest by the boys decked out in their traditional green and red uniforms.
But it was the ‘Hammer’ that struck the first blow 15 minutes into the game. Howard Lowe rose above the defence to head home a well directed corner kick from the second of back to back corners, the third of the game at that point. An attempt from the first of the back to back corners went just over the cross bar.
GDF players vented their disgust at being down by one by arguing among themselves momentarily but were compelled to regroup and refocus for the task at hand since Alpha were energized by the advantage.
Twelve (12) minutes after trailing, the Army were rewarded with a penalty after Alpha defender Abassi McPherson handled the ball as he attempted to clear a long ball by the GDF who were in offence at the time.
Central defender, Selwyn Isaacs, one of the most vocal players on the pitch, stepped up to take the penalty and sent his shot to the left corner with goalie Ronson Williams flying to his right in the 27th minute. It was a culmination of a  very good period for the GDF.
No other goals materialized during the half and in the second, Alpha seemingly went to sleep as the Army downed them tactically, creating many opportunities, Gavin Wilson and Royan Morrison, the main culprits.
As time ticked away, the fitness of the Army started to show up their rivals. The winning strike was duly scored by hard working forward Stellon David in emphatic fashion.
David who was challenged by Pollard for an aerial ball midway into Alpha’s half, momentarily lost sight but was able to reconnect in split seconds and used his superior speed to good effect with Pollard in pursuit.
Williams was called into action to cut off the threatening run on his right side but the ball was on David’s strong side (left) and he finished in style with a powerful drive past the diving custodian in the 77th minute.
The lead could have increased if Morrison, who broke through midfield and had the better hand of the defence, made good on his effort, but his shot was parried into touch for a corner by Williams as the GDF maintained the pressure.
In the final moments though, Alpha turned on the pressure as they sought the equalizer creating a few chances but their efforts were all in vain.
The winners utilised their three substitutions, tactically maintaining fresh legs in the final 25 minutes while Alpha only used two.
An exciting climax to this competition is expected this evening with the third place game commencing at 18:00hrs.
Competitive football momentum is expected to be maintained with the kick off of the Cellink Premier League later this month.

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