Army advances to semi-final of Sweet 16 Football tourney

May 07, 2009 Sports

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) made amends for their 2-1 loss to Sunburst Camptown in last year’s Sweet 16 Football championships with a similar 2-1 victory over Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United FC, to book a semi-final place in this year’s edition of that tournament when play continued at the Plaisance Community Centre Ground, Tuesday evening last.

The other semi-final match this evening at the Plaisance Community Centre Ground pits the skills of defending champions, Sunburst Camptown, against Cougars of Berbice. In the other match in this evening’s double-header Upper Level Barber Shop will oppose Sweet Point.
‘The Hammer’ drew first blood with a 32nd minute effort off the boot of Dwayne Jacobs and enjoyed that lead for the entire first half. GDF came out with purpose in the second half and barely 7 minutes into that stanza struck after Selwyn Isaacs converted from the penalty spot when the referee adjudicated that one of the Alpha players had intercepted dangerously inside the box.

Two minutes later, Warren Gilkes collected from the left wing and slammed in a dolly that left the Alpha custodian stranded at the far end of the goal. The soldiers subsequently lost the services of Hubert Pedro who was given marching orders after the referee determined that he had intercepted dangerously.
It was apparent from the onset that ‘The Hammer’ were off their game. Jacobs seemed to be the one with the verve and alacrity as he was constantly in the opposition’s face.

Shortly after the game got underway, he rushed down the left wing and made a superb pass, just in front of the opposition’s goal. The ball landed meters away from the goalmouth but none of his teammates were around to complete the conversion. Not to be deterred, Jacobs attacked once again and this time his 32nd minute effort registered sending his teammates into ecstasy.

Shawn Bishop then thundered in from his midfield position. However, his header was powerful but lacked direction, flying over the goal. A free kick taken by the same player several minutes later failed to find its target.
As the game wound down, it was evident that ‘The Hammer’ lacked the verve to regain the lead and the final whistle sent the Army and their supporters into jubilation.
Kick off time for this evening’s match is 18:00hrs.