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Stag Super XVI…. Goalkeepers shine as Grove Hi Tech and Pouderoyen advance on PKs
Soesdyke Falcons’ Colin McLean in control but closely watched by Pouderoyen’s Glenvil Hazel.
It an unusual night of football at the Golden Grove ground, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday night last, both matches in the second edition of the Stag Super XVI knockout tournament were decided via penalty kicks.
It was also a night where the respective goalkeepers from defending champions Grove Hi Tech and Pouderoyen stepped up to be recognized since their respective matches had to be decided via the penalty kicks route having ended in a stalemate at the end of regulation and extra time.
Battling home team Golden Stars in the feature game, Grove Hi Tech, aiming to become back to back champions had to pull out all the stops as Golden Stars clawed their way back twice to push the game into extra time.
Seasoned campaigner for East Bank’s number one side Grove, Orson Francois netted for the visitors on 20 minutes to hand his team the advantage as they dominated the home team early on. With their fans out in fair numbers urging them on, Golden Stars kept in the hunt even though the equalizer took some time in coming.
The first half ended with Grove in the ascendancy but it was the Stars that shone bright early in the second half. Eight minutes into the half, Moses Fraser found shooting range and did not make any mistakes in banging the ball past custodian Michael Matthews in the 53rd minute to bring the home team back into the match.
Grove suffered a setback when goalkeeper Matthews suffered a dislocated left shoulder and had to be replaced by Seon Simpson in the 61st minute. Little did anyone know that Simpson was going to be the hero for the defending champions at the death.
Grove restored their one goal cushion in the 64th minute compliments of a Denzil Crawford goal. But while the on field action was in full swing, the elements above was equally consistent as rain poured down but did not dampen the end to end action by no means.
After Grove went ahead again, Golden Stars never let up and were rewarded with another goal through Dexter Archer’s effort in the 72nd minute to equalize proceedings yet again. The remaining minutes did not yield any more goals as did extra time.
Penalty kicks was then required to determine the winner. Golden Stars’ goalie ….. was perfect as was Grove’s Lloyd Matthews with their respective opening penalties. Carambo Holder them sent his shot wide for Golden Stars on their second attempt, while Grove’s goalie Simpson saved their third attempt that was taken by Stephon Walcott. Despite scoring their 4th attempt through Justin Bristol, Grove Hi Tech was able to seal a date with Pouderoyen on Christmas Night at the Farm ground since they were flawless from the spot.
Captain Shermon Doris, Francois and John Matthews all sank their shots to send Grove through, breaking the hearts of the home team and supporters in the process.
The evening’s opening match was also decided via penalty kicks and a similar 4-2 result in favour of West Demerara’s Pouderoyen over East Bank’s Soesdyke Falcons following a goalless stalemate in regulation and extra time.
Both sides created a few chances but were unable to penetrate in each other’s attacking third. From the spot, Pouderoyen were perfect from the four kicks that they needed to seal their quarter final date with Grove Hi Tech.
Marvin Frank, Deron Chilcott, Adrian Giddings and Delon Josiah were all spot on for Pouderoyen. On target for Soesdyke Falcons were Kelcey Benson and Larrey Steel, while missing the target as a result of goalkeeper Sherwin Bernard’s efforts were Alvin Adams and Andy Higgins.
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