Alpha stomp Camptown 3-1, Rosignol bump Victoria Kings 2-1

Sep 08, 2009 Sports

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By Franklin Wilson
Alpha “The Hammer” United sent out a serious warning to all and sundry that they are the best in the land and intends to maintain that status for quite sometime when they exterminated the challenge of Camptown 3-1 on the opening day of the Guyana Football Federation Super League played at the GCC ground Bourda.
While Alpha displayed dismissive form, fans were reminded that the element of surprise remains a part of any competition when Rosignol United upstaged Victoria Kings 2-1 in the competition’s opening game.
With the pace now set, it is anticipated that while some games might be a forgone conclusion, others will not be that easy and many more surprising results are on the cards.
Alpha were too hot for Camptown to handle as they controlled the game with excellent ball control and possession using the flanks admirably, their defence, midfield and forwards all worked in unison to dispose of their old rivals with ease.
The contest was effectively over by the 37th minute, Alpha already 3-0 up. Dwight Peters with a beautifully volley in the 8th minute easing Alpha into the lead. The nippy nature of Alpha’s forward line kept Camptown’s defence in overdrive for the most part.
Defender (left back) Issa Abassi McPherson enjoyed an excellent game overlapping down the wing, posing problems for Camptown all night. Captain Howard Lowe once again underlined his class and experience as he took special care in marking fellow ‘Golden Jaguar’ Nigel Codrington who was kept quiet throughout the encounter.
Camptown, were slowly getting into a their stride when poor communication at the back saw Alpha going 2-0 up. Edison Gomes heading home a cross from the right side at the near post, custodian Richie Richards and the back four were caught flat footed.
Six minutes later, the super fit McPherson displayed his ability and experience when he once again dribbled his way down the flanks to knock in the 3rd goal for Alpha.
The second half saw a more disciplined and resilient performance from Camptown who continued to find it difficult to crack the airtight defence of Alpha. They did not help their cause when their Captain and main defender Orlando Gilgeous received the first red card of the League for serious foul play in the 65th minute.
While they were now playing one short, it seemed that they relished being under pressure and actually found the back of the nets ten minutes to full time, Lance Rolston firing past goalkeeper Ronson Williams.
In the competition’s opening salvo, Berbice side Rosignol United answered their critics with a spirited and well crafted 2-1 win over the more recognised Victoria Kings of East Demerara.
Rosignol, coming into the encounter as the underdog quickly sent a strong message to the Kings, “Do not sit on your throne believing that it will be a walk in the park.”
It was clear that Rosignol’s plan was to take the attack to Victoria and they did so without relent. Their reward was an early goal, Delroy Fraser squeezing one past goalie Andrew Williams from an acute and almost impossible angle in the 26th minute.
It was a stunner, an advantage that the Berbice side enjoyed for some time. They were looking solid all along but Victoria Kings capitalised on what was a rare lapse to nail the equaliser. Rosignol’s defence found it tough to return in time following a raid by the Kings, goalkeeper Joel Singh was called to duty almost at the top of the box but Winston Pompey was composed enough to slip the ball past the keeper and into goal in the 68th minute.
The spirits of the Kings were now lifted but not for long as Rosignol through a 72nd minute Cornel Taylor goal restored their lead and eventual victory.
Rosignol and Alpha now lead the standings with 3-points each. The one-round league will continue on Sunday when all ten teams will be in action.
Up at the Blairmont ground, Rosignol will be at home to Buxton United from 16:00hrs. The Pouderoyen based Seawall United will welcome Alpha at the Uitvlugt Community Centre ground also from 16:00hrs. The GFC ground in the city will host the match between the Guyana Defence Force and Victoria Kings from 18:00hrs.
Up at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground, Bakewell Topp XX will open play at 18:00 hrs against Liquid Gold of Bartica while in the feature game, Milerock match skills with Camptown.
Honorable Prime Minister Samuel Hinds met the contesting teams in the feature along with Keith Look Loy (Win in CONCACAF with CONCACAF Administrator), Local Super League Administrator Kurt Douglas, Banks DIH Guinness Manager Lee Baptiste and General Secretary of the Guyana Football Federation, Noel Adonis Sunday.
Look Loy did the ceremonial kick off of the ball to set the tournament off before the first game.

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