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EISS edge Goed Fortuin, Windsor Forest beat PLI on PKS
By Zaheer Mohamed
Essequibo Islands Secondary School (EISS) of Wakenaam 
defeated Goed Fortuin of West Demerara 1-0, while Windsor Forest beat Professional Learning Institute (PLI) 3-1 on penalties when the Digicel National Schools Football Championships continued on Friday at Leonora.
A second half strike by midfielder David Charritar gave EISS a hard fought victory after a goalless first session; the game was reduced to 40 minutes due to a late start. Neither of the teams fashioned any real scoring opportunities as they shared possession almost equally in the first half.
Immediately after the interval, Charritar put EISS ahead as his shot from inside the area beat goalkeeper Yohance Abrams to his right.
The goal somewhat motivated the Islanders who made two second half changes simultaneously as their pace increased fairly.
Goed Fortuin though didn’t give up; however their efforts for an equaliser were halted by goalkeeper Dwain Retemiah who denied Teffon Fraser and Orlando Lewis. EISS almost had their second goal in the latter stages, but Abrams blocked energetic striker Wendell Osbourne shot from inside the 18-yard box after he received a pass from Curtis Adams.
The second encounter had to be decided by penalties after the teams were locked 3-3 at the end of regulation time. Despite scoring with their first three shots, Windsor Forest were indebted to their keeper Travis Fraser who pulled off two fine saves.
Following a sloppy start to the contest, the teams gradually grew in confidence, and PLI had the first scoring chance, but striker Keanu Laurence solo effort was denied by Fraser. Keswin Fraser’s left foot shot was then blocked by PLI keeper Calvin Roberts after Windsor Forest won a free kick just outside the area.
While Laurence produced some excitement with his nimble foot work and speed, it was Earlando Smartt who put PLI ahead. He waltzed his way into the box after collecting the ball some distance from goal and smartly slotted home in the 25th minute.
Windsor Forest won a penalty in the 33rd minute and Terrence Baird converted as the teams went to the break 1-1. The second half saw more enthusiasm; however Windsor Forest took the lead in the 59th minute when Trevon Williams slotted home from the right side the 18-yard box.
Laurence and Smartt were the only PLI players willing to play upfront and the lack of support forced the duo to drop deep into their half to gain possession, and when they did it took some stern defending to deny them.
But Laurence drew his team level in the 63rd minute with a clever shot from within the box after being one on one with Fraser. Laurence was not done yet; three minutes later he made a brilliant run down the left flank before making his way into area and his shot gave Fraser no chance, beating him to his right. However, tragedy followed for PLI; Laurence undoubtedly the best player on show covered his head with his shirt in celebration, this led to him picking up a second bookable offence which led to a red card. His eviction made a definite impact on the result as Raidon Thomas’ 67th minute strike from the edge of the area sent the game into penalties.
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