Latest update March 24th, 2025 7:05 AM
GFA / Banks Beer Knockout Cup…GFC sets up Christmas Day date with Sunburst Camptown
-Santos also progress to quarter-finals
By Rawle Welch
Georgetown Football Club (GFC) and Santos FC booked the final two
Santos marksmen (from left) - Lerone Charles, Mark Glasgow, Gerald Wittington & Michael Pedro.
quarter-final spots after registering victories against Houston Stars FC and Banks All Stars 2-0 and 4-2 respectively in the inaugural GFA / Banks Beer Knockout Cup which continued on Wednesday evening, at the GFC ground.
In the opening encounter, hosts GFC led by goals from Anson Lynch and Teshawn Blackman led to the elimination of Houston Stars, while Gerald Whittington, Lerone Charles, Michael Pedro and Mark Glasgow aided Santos’ progression to the next phase.
On target for Banks All Stars were Michael Oie and Nicholas Norton.
The feature clash was a gem and it was unfortunate that Banks All Stars had to be sent packing after creating more chances and sharing possession with the more experienced Santos unit that looked a bit lackluster on occasions, lacking pace and creativity.
Whittington, once a prolific scorer, opened Santos’ account when he was left unmarked inside the penalty area and lashed home from close range. That occurred in the 13th minute of play.
Though trailing, Banks All Stars threatened consistently and were unfortunate not to take the advantage on at least two occasions, with players hitting the crossbar and going agonizingly close to the left upright.
However, they got the equalizer through Oie, who received a pass from mid-field, dribbled one defender, before hammering a fierce right-footer past the Santos custodian in the 30th minute.
Charles then restored Santos’ ascendancy when he raced on to a pass from the left side and hit a low shot past a surprised Banks All Stars goalkeeper in the 40th minute of play.
The scores remained that way until the half.
In the final period, both teams attacked with zeal, but Banks All Stars held the advantage and were compensated for their persistence with Norton netting the goal of the match.
It started with some exquisite exchanges that involved three players, before Norton became the recipient of the final touch and he made no mistake, beating the goalkeeper to the near post.
That leveled the game at 2-2.
They were unlucky not to take the lead for the first time in the match when the crossbar was found for the second time, before the ball rebounded into play.
Banks All Stars maintained their unrelenting attack and should have converted on at least two other occasions, but poor finishing was the order of the night.
After withstanding the ferocious advances of the opposition, Santos managed to sneak ahead when Michael Pedro’s shot ricocheted off the goalkeeper’s hands and trickled over the goal line.
Buoyed by their lead, Santos seemed revived and got their fourth goal with Glasgow scoring in the 83rd and the scores stayed that way until the final whistle sounded.
In the first game, GFC had to wait until the 36th minute to breach the defence of Houston Stars when Anson Lynch found the nets to give them a 1-0 lead at half time.
On resumption, Teshawn Blackman almost immediately slipped the ball pass the Houston Stars goalkeeper which gave them a 2-0 advantage that lasted until the end of regulation time.
The quarter-final matchup will see Sunburst Camptown FC taking on GFC on Sunday 25th December from 18:00 hrs and that will be followed by the clash between reigning club champions Alpha United and Riddim Squad at 20:00 hrs.
The following day (Boxing Day) another double header is scheduled with Beacon FC battling Black Pearl FC and Santos colliding with Fruta Conquerors.
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