Latest update February 4th, 2025 9:06 AM
Cellink Premier League kicks off in style
‘The Hammer’ bang Tigers, Sunburst too bright for Flamingo
The 2009 Cellink Premier League (CPL) got off to a fiery start on Monday evening at the Tucville ground with defending champions Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United blasting BK International Western Tigers 5-0 and runner-up Sunburst Camptown thumping Flamingo 3-0 in their debut match in the CPL.
Alpha’s Edison Gomes (3rd right) maneuvers his way through the Western Tigers defence in their CPL clash on Monday night. (Franklin Wilson photo)
The defending champs were razor-sharp in their demolition of Western Tigers, back at this level after winning the division-one league following relegation. The Tigers seemed out of sorts and lacked that flair and fight that they are known for but these are early days yet in the tournament.
Alpha sounded the warning bells early in the game when Quincy Madramootoo nailed the first goal in the 4th minute. That advantage was doubled four minutes later when midfielder Leon Grumble inked his name on the score sheet.
Thereafter, Western seemed to have settled somewhat as they sought to move the ball around but their opponents managed to gain the advantage with ball possession and a better game plan.
While staving off goals for a lengthy period, Western were unable to hold back the ‘Hammer’ from striking a few more times before full time. The exit of Sherman David via a red card in the 42nd minute for violent conduct did not help their cause.
Camptown’s Anthony Belfield (No. 5) in a battle for possession with Flamingo’s Dwayne Layne on Monday evening at the Tucville ground. (Franklin Wilson photo)
Substitutes, Wendell St. Hill and Shawn Bishop took over from their teammates in the final 12 minutes of play.
St. Hill hitting in the first double of the season, with strikes in the 78th minute, a crisp low header past the hapless Tigers goalkeeper Kerry Graham and the other on the stroke of full time.
Bishop, who has not been a regular starter in the team for some time now, proved his worth as a potent asset in midfield with a blistering left foot shot from 20 meters out. The ball rocketed past Graham into the left V with 5 minutes to regulation time.
The Tigers were given a chance to pull one back in the 81st minute when they were awarded a penalty but were denied the chance of scoring when Shawn Johnson pulled off a good save from Devon Millington’s shot.
The normally energetic Millington was kept quiet all night by the stifling Alpha defence.
The opening match-up between Camptown and Flamingo provided some exciting moments for the more seasoned Camptown as the debutants missed some early chances which would have put Camptown under pressure.
But as it turned out, they were not able to capitalize on those opportunities and Camptown gradually found their footing and composure.
Telson McKinnon netted the CPL’s first goal 38 minutes into the season. Bevon ‘Chiney’ Moseley doubled the lead 5 minutes after the break with Kwame La Fleur sealing the deal one minute to full time.
Alpha and Camptown are now on 3 points each, Alpha though, with a better goal average.
Rivalry will continue on Friday evening with another doubleheader. Georgetown Football Club will oppose home team Fruta Conquerors in the curtain raiser from 18:00hrs with the main event between the Guyana Defence Force and Pele.
Earlier, the GFA season commenced with a colorful March Past of the affiliated clubs with Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn taking the salute and delivering the feature remarks.
Representatives of Guyana Beverage Inc., Western Union, Courts (Guyana) Ltd, GT&T, Banks DIH Limited and the Guyana Football Federation were also present at the opening and shared brief remarks. (Franklin Wilson)
Photos of the goal scorers saved on server Frankie.
Caption for Cellink PL 2009 1 028: Alpha’s Edison Gomes (3rd right) maneuvers his way through the Western Tigers defence in their CPL clash on Monday night.
006: Camptown’s Anthony Belfield (No. 5) in a battle for possession with Flamingo’s Dwayne Layne on Monday evening at the Tucville ground. (Franklin Wilson photo)
(Franklin Wilson photo)
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