GFA / Banks Beer Knockout Cup...Riddim Squad call on experience to beat UG 3-1

GFA / Banks Beer Knockout Cup…Riddim Squad call on experience to beat UG 3-1

Dec 20, 2011 Sports

-GDF pulled from tournament

Experienced campaigners Riddim Squad had to summon their superior experience to repel a spirited performance from the University of Guyana to advance to the next stage after beating them 3-1 on Sunday, at the GFC ground.
Playing before a large crowd in the GFA / Banks Beer Knockout Cup, which was reduced to one official match due to the unexpected withdrawal of the Guyana Defence Force for reasons not disclosed, the East Bank Demerara side nearly conceded the lead early when a well taken free kick from about 30 yards out awarded to UG hit the crossbar and went into touch.
The UG team which has showed admirable improvement since their entry this season shared possession with their more established opponents in the early part of the contest, but slipped behind after Amos Ramsay tucked in from close range following a goalmouth scrimmage that found him unmarked.
However, six minutes later, UG gained the equalizer through a neat piece of work from their Captain Nigel Garraway, who collected a pinpoint pass from the right side, dribbled past one defender, before unleashing a low powerful strike past the advancing goalkeeper.
The two teams went to the half deadlocked at 1-1.
On the resumption, Riddim Squad looked to establish their technical superiority and did just that with the Hope siblings Sceyon and Sheldon controlling the tempo, Ramsay and Dorville Stewart tormented the UG backline with some menacing forays.
They regained the lead in the 77th minute when Stewart hit a curling free kick into the V of the goal that was unstoppable.
Two minutes later, he returned to score another beautiful goal, outrunning a host of defenders, before burying a shot past a hapless UG custodian to put the result beyond doubt.
In the other scheduled game, Black Pearl was given a walkover after the Guyana Defence Force withdrew.
Subsequently a practice match was arranged with GFC and Black Pearl lost 2-0 with Sekiou Browne netting both goals in the 10th and 36th minutes respectively.
Meanwhile, the Cup continues tomorrow with another double header that features GFC taking on Houston Stars from 18:00 hrs and that will be followed by the clash between Santos and Banks DIH All Stars at 20:00 hrs.
Also, five parents who brought five or more of their children to see the matches on Sunday were presented with $5,000 each compliments of the sponsor Banks DIH.