CONCACAF / FIFA WCQ Russia 2018...Vincy Heat claw back twice to draw with Golden Jaguars

CONCACAF / FIFA WCQ Russia 2018…Vincy Heat claw back twice to draw with Golden Jaguars

Jun 11, 2015 Sports

By Franklin Wilson in St. Vincent compliments of:

Guyana’s ‘Golden Jaguars’ gave up the advantage twice which allowed St. Vincent & the Grenadines to claw their way back twice to earn a 2-2 draw when the two nations clashed yesterday afternoon at the Arnos Vale Play

Golden Jaguar defender Jamaal Smith challenges SVG Goalie Winslow McDowall in the air.

Field in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
It was the first taste of World Cup Qualifying for the two countries in Round 2 of CONCACAF qualification for the FIFA World Cup, Russia 2018. Yesterday’s result sets up what is anticipated to be an enthralling return game on Sunday at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.
It was the home team that looked as if they were going to net first, bringing Golden Jaguar custodian Akel Clarke into action on the first run down after kick off. The pacey Vincentians popularly known as ‘Vincy Heat’ sought to drive home the early advantage on an afternoon where the sun was out in all its glory with a strong wind blowing across the ground from the Airport end.
The home team did create early chances and could have taken the lead from as early as the 17th minute but the shot went straight into the grasp of Clarke. Missing four of its overseas based players did not deter the Jaguars from matching their opponents and taking the fight to them.
Graceland University student and midfielder Brandon Beresford, who is one of the surviving

Brandon Beresford (on ground) drilled his shot past SBG’s GK Winslow McDowall for Guyana’s first goal.

players from the 2014 World Cup Squad, showed his class and maturity. The 23 year-old picked up the ball in midfield dribbled his way past two defenders before letting off a right foot shot from inside the area that sailed over goalkeeper Winslow Mc Dowell into the back of the nets in the 28th minute for the opening goal.
The stunned home crowd was silenced as the Guyanese, who lost to the Vincentians the last time they met by a 2-1 margin in 2012, cantered into the lead. The home team never let up and kept pressing. They hit the post around the half hour mark to the relief of the Golden Jaguars who could have doubled the advantage in the 38th minute, forward Sheldon Holder placing his shot just wide of the target.
Up until the half, Guyana enjoyed the lead by a 1-0 margin. On resumption it didn’t take long for the home crowd to be brought to life again. In the 51st minute, a ripping right foot skidder off the boot of Cornelius Stewart sailed past Clarke for the equalizer and the game was now on.
The crowd kept on shouting and urging on their team even as both sides introduced fresh

Captain Chris Nurse and teammates celebrate Beresford’s opening goal.

legs into the game. The pace of the home team continued to create challenges for the Golden Jaguars. The introduction of Ricky Shakes for Sheldon Holder proved to be a master stroke by Head Coach Shabazz. The experienced Shakes, who also played in the last WCQ competition, settled in almost immediately as he made his presence felt.
Eon Alleyne came in for Vurlon Mills who had a good game and it was the combination of Alleyne, Beresford and Shakes that put the Golden Jaguars ahead once again in the 77th minute. Alleyne collected the ball on the right side deep in the attacking third, passed across goal to Beresford who found Shakes on the left side who put the ball into the back of the nets calmly.
Happy to have taken the lead once again, the Golden Jaguars became a bit complacent at the back three minutes later, letting in a soft goal which came off the boot of substitute Tevin Slater in the 80th minute.
Dwain Jacobs had made way for Adrian Butters at the right back position as the Guyanese sought to close up shop. St. Vincent also made their full complement of changes, fans including a few Guyanese living and working on the island enjoyed an exciting game of football in sunny and breezy weather.
The result sets up what will be an exciting second leg game on Sunday. The English based quartet of Neil Danns, Marcel Barrington, Matthew Briggs and Samuel Cox should have their passports before then and should be available which would add further strength to the Golden Jaguars who must win at home to advance.
Home advantage must play a key role in propelling the team to victory which means the fans as the 12th man must come out by the thousands to cheer their side to the next round. Vincy Heat however, would not be a walk in the park come Game time on Sunday is 19:00hrs or 7pm.
The Golden Jaguars are expected home this morning while the Vincy Heat side will arrive tomorrow.