Blueberry Hill, Kwakwani Strikers latest teams to advance; action returns today at GCC

Dec 21, 2012 Sports

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Aided by two controversial decisions which resulted in goals, Linden’s Blueberry Hill Football Club edged visitors Caribbean United 3-2 in a testy affair, while another determined performance from Kwakwani Strikers saw them dispose of GFC by a 2-1 margin as the two teams advanced after the latest action in the GFA/Banks Beer Knockout Cup.
Transferred to the Fruta Conquerors ground in Tucville due to the soggy conditions caused by the inclement weather that left the GCC ground in an unplayable state, the large crowd was treated to

two exciting encounters.
In the opening game, Blueberry Hill’s doggedness and psychological strength proved a little too much for an equally tough Caribbean United team. The opening period began at a frantic tempo with both teams attempting to establish their dominance early in the game.
The Lindeners wasted no time in taking the lead through Blueberry Hill a great strike from Quincy Stephens in the 2nd minute. Bouyed by the early success, they continued to dictate the run of play and quickly added to their lead thanks to Ronel Bristol, who netted in the 10th minute albeit a questionable decision. Undaunted by the controversial call, Caribbean United quickly pulled one back through an Alston Gardener strike in the 18th minute from a corner kick.
The game quickly opened up and some probing forays from both teams deep into rival territory kept the vociferous crowd on the edge of their seats as they tussled for the ascendancy. The visitors search for the equaliser was denied shortly before the half thanks to a magnificent save from the Blueberry Hill custodian.
The game had now taken on a free flowing nature in the final period as the Caribbean side hunted for the elusive equaliser, while the Linden unit orchestrated some menacing counterattacks of their own.
It was another unconvincing call that accounted for Blueberry Hill’s third goal which came through Troy Miller, who nonchalantly scored from the penalty spot in the 55th minute.
For some inexplicable reason the Lindeners ‘eased on the throttle’ and uncharacteristically conceded possession to the opposition with alarming frequency and everyone in the arena accurately forecasted that it was only a matter of time, before they paid the ultimate price.
What followed next was a glut of threatening attacks from the Caribbean side that finally broke through the previously fortified garrison of Blueberry Hill and resulted in Culburt Culley scoring from a spot kick in the 83rd minute.
However, Blueberry Hill held on until the final whistle sounded to progress to the next round.
In the feature event, Kwakwani Strikers clearly proved “it’s not over until the fat lady sings’ when they manufactured another come from behind win to eject GFC from this year’s competition.
Both teams looked on par during the early exchanges and fans could have anticipated that they were about to witness a thrilling encounter.
GFC surprised the partisan crowd when they took the lead compliments of a marvelous strike from Paul Daniels in the 18th minute. The ‘Bourda Blue’ unit came near to increasing their lead only to be deprived by a magnificent save from the Kwakwani goalkeeper.
Even as the half came to a close, neither team really looked settled with none able to threaten beyond mid-field which was where the battle centred.
On the resumption, Kwakwani Strikers pushed forward and it took robust defending to keep them off the scoresheet and it was clear that the inter-play between the teams’ mid-field and attacking third were in harmony as the level of play improved.
Urged on by their fans, Kwakwani Strikers came forward with menace and found the equalizer in the 54th minute through a Roy Leacock strike that sent the partisan crowd into hysterical delight.
Sensing their opponents was up for the ‘kill’ they continued to attack ferociously, but exceptional work between the uprights by goalie Shawn Browne kept them at bay and his team still in with a chance.
By this time it was evident that fitness would be the decisive factor and that favoured the guests as they simple ran the GFC backline ragged with consistent attacks, especially the silky Dale Sauers.
The game winning goal came from a dazzling build up that was topped off expertly by Ted Rogers in the 75th minute, sending spectators rushing on to the playing area to celebrate.
GFC searched relentlessly to level the contest, but was repeatedly denied from breaching the Kwakwani Strikers fortress and the scoreline remained the same until the final whistle came.
Meanwhile, the action returns to the GCC ground Bourda with a double header slated for today with Ann’s Grove All Stars tackling Blueberry Hill FC in the curtain raiser at 18:00 hrs to be followed by Riddim Squad FC taking on Beacon FC in the feature clash at 20:00hrs.

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