‘The Hammer’ falls to Conquerors on penalty kicks

Nov 08, 2011 Sports

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-UG, Riddim Squad also in winners’ row

By Rawle Welch
The presence of no less than four influential members of the national ‘Golden Jaguars’ team, who took to the field to represent their club Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United against Fruta Conquerors in the GFA /Banks DIH President Beer Super League on Sunday, at the GFC ground, was definitive confirmation that football in Georgetown has returned.
Watched by a significant crowd, that unmistakably put the interest of football first rather than fall prey to the obstructive attempts of the imaginary cartels of football, the bold decisions taken by the Management of Riddim Squad and Alpha United, two of the better clubs, must be recognized and commended for their stance.
Pele, one of the many clubs affiliated to the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) and among those that participated in the Opening Ceremony to launch the tournament has suddenly withdrawn and could face severe reprimand following investigations into their action.

The matches were of a high quality despite the prolonged absence of organised competitions and even the unfortunate shoulder injury suffered by national striker Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams failed to diminish the exhibition of skills which surely bodes well for the game not only in Georgetown, but also for Guyana.
The triple header card saw the University of Guyana (UG) starting the League on a positive note after inflicting a crushing 4-0 win over Black Pearl with Nigel Garraway hammering in a treble in the 19th, 46th and 88th minutes, while an own goal in the 67th completed the tally.
In the second game of the evening, Riddim Squad got their campaign going with a comfortable 3-1 triumph over Beacons.
On target for the winners were Julian Forris in the 10th minute and he was supported by strikes on either half from Orville Stewart (20th) and Dorville Stewart (90th), while Milton Orvin (13th) scored the consolation goal for Beacons.
In the feature clash, Alpha United went down to the upstart Fruta Conquerors 3-4 on penalty kicks after regulation time ended with the teams deadlocked 1-1.
National striker Dwight Peters, who along with teammates goalkeeper Ronson Williams, Abrams and Dwayne Jacobs donned their club colours even as rumours emanated around the ground that they were risking being omitted from the national squad for the all-important World Cup qualifier against Trinidad and Tobago this week, were severely tested by the youthful, but confident Conquerors unit.
Sporting players the caliber of Andrew Murray Jnr, Quincy Madramootoo, Chris Camacho, Philbert Moffatt and Shevane Seaforth, the reigning club champions saw some fierce resistance from the Conquerors side.
Once again, the pace and artistry of young Pernell Schultz created problems for the Alpha backline, while Jermain Junor, Eon Alleyne, Marko Markus and Dwayne Lawrence were equally impressive surging forward.
In addition, the calm and collective Trevon Lythcott stood up manfully in defence and had admirable support from the ever improving Colin Edwards between the uprights as he produced some superb saves to keep his team in with a chance.
Peters scored early in the 21st minute as Alpha took a slim 1-0 lead into the half.
He received a pass from Abrams playing on the right side, trapped it neatly, feigned a defender, before unleashing a fierce right-footer past Edwards, who had no chance of saving.
Shortly after, Alpha lost the services of Abrams, who fell on his shoulder after backpeddling to win possession of an aerial ball, but instead landed awkwardly.
The early prognosis indicated that he will be out for a few weeks.
Meanwhile, on the resumption, Conquerors continued to attack fearlessly, but had to wait until the 80th minute to draw level when Markus delivered a pinpoint pass to Schultz and instead of risking a shot from a tight angle, cleverly relayed a pass to an unmarked Lawrence, who easily tapped in from close range with Williams beaten on the far post.
That evoked wild celebrations from their supporters, before the final whistle sounded to send the game into penalty kicks for the extra point after the Organisers decided that every game must have a result.
It was another opportunity for Edwards, the brother of Abrams to once again produce his heroics and he delivered, hammering the decisive spot kick into the back of the goal to hand Conquerors a well deserved victory and preserve their unbeaten run.
The League continues tomorrow with another double header at the same venue.
In the first game, Police takes on newcomers Charlestown United, while the GDF do battle with Santos. Kick-off time is 18:00 hrs.

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