Slingerz FC lift GFF / SEL Overall Champion Trophy Devon ‘The Tormentor’ Millington’s 73rd minute dagger seals place in history

Jun 28, 2016 Sports

Hail the SEL Overall Champions! Director of Sport Christopher Jones and Ansa McAl’s Trade Marketing Manager Ms Darshanie Yussuf present the winning trophy to Slingerz Captain Tichard Joseph as his teammates and supporters savor the moment.

Devon ‘The Tormentor’ Millington – Slingerz FC

By Franklin Wilson
There was no doubt that it would have been a humdinger of a clash when Guyana’s top two sides engaged each other in the final of all finals to determine the overall winners of the inaugural Stag Elite League champions.
Following approximately 96 minutes of pulsating end to end exchanges, it was the winner of the GENESIS phase of the league, Slingerz FC which emerged champions thanks to a 73rd minute classic off the boot of substitute Devon ‘The Tormentor’ Millington that sealed Alpha’s fate; giving Slingerz their first national league championship.
Alpha, the FINALE winner following a 3-0 triumph via kicks from the penalty mark after a 0-0 regulation and extra time stalemate, battled for all their worth in a balanced clash but one defensive lapse cost them in the end.
The appreciative fans on hand to witness this match, the first of its nature in Guyana, were not disappointed as both sides played free fast paced football, creating chances along the way but were not able to penetrate in the final third on both ends of the pitch.
Slingerz took aim at goal first in the 8th minute but Alpha came closest to taking the lead early on in the 11th and 14th minutes, Slingerz’ custodian, Vincentian Winslow McDowall had to saved the day by skillfully cutting down the angle to block an Anthony Abrams attempt.
Abrams again came close in the 41st minute but before that, Dominican Julian Wade, another of Slingerz’ foreign based players missed regular chances, while teammate Trayon Bobb who enjoyed another excellent match, took aim but his shot was calmly taken down by Alpha’s man between the uprights and FINALE final hero, Ritchie Richards.
With the second half ending 0-0 the final 45 minutes was destined to be even more exciting. With the players already enduring a prolonged season, well into the transfer window, it was always going to be a tremendous test of their physical and mental resolve; they stood up well to the task at hand.
In the second half, the technical staff for both teams sought to go for the juggler by introducing fresh legs at strategic junctures of the match. It was Slingerz which made the first such change when they introduced Millington in the 58th minute for Domini Garnett; it turned out to be a master stroke.

Slingerz Fans in the stands erupt in cheers at the sound of the final whistle on Sunday night.

Six minutes later, Alpha substituted Abrams with the introduction of Anthony Benfield as the battle between the two local titans continued.
But two minutes before Abrams’ exit, Alpha scored but it was deemed offside by the standing Referee. On the counter from that play, Vurlon Mills, back in the mix for Slingerz and making a difference in midfield was presented with an excellent chance on the other end but with Richards already out of position and the open goal at his mercy, Mills sent the ball wide of the upright.
Slingerz were lucky that Alpha did not make use of their chances to punish them for their run of the mill misses. On 73 minutes however, the entire match would swing Slingerz’ way when Millington took possession of the ball just into the Alpha half of the right side, dribbled Kris Camacho on a solo run before also slipping past Solomon Austin to blast a powerful right foot shot past Richards for goal.
With Slingerz now in the ascendency, they displayed more patience as they sought to hold more possession. Alpha bought on Manasseh Primo for Philbert Moffatt in the 81st minute as they went after the equalizer. Two minutes later, Mills was forced to come off after being fouled; he was replaced by Gideon Payne.
The four minutes of added on time which was double the other three halves of the Finale final and Sunday night’s first half saw Slingerz holding on to the majority of possession to win the war between the best two sides in Guyana; bringing the curtains down on season in grand style.
Both Alpha and Slingerz have qualified as this nation’s representative team to 2017 Caribbean Football Union / CONCACAF Club Championships.
Director of Sport, Christopher Jones and Ansa McAl’s Trade Marketing Manager Ms Darshanie Yussuf presented the winning trophy to Slingerz Captain Tichard Joseph in the presence of ecstatic colleagues, technical staff and supporters.

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