Buxton United were in dismissive mood when they faced Plaisance Panthers in yesterday’s feature match, while Mahaica Determinators were equally solid when they set the tournament on its way against BV Triumph United when the East Demerara Football Association leg of the NAMILCO/GFF Flour Power National Under-17 league kicked off yesterday afternoon at the Golden Grove ground, East Coast Demerara.
Following a colourful march-past of the competing teams minus Buxton Stars which did not show up, the competing teams got the on field action underway in style with a total of 12 goals being scored as the respective losing teams failed to score.
Buxton United, one of the eight Elite League teams competing in the various associations and the lone on the East Coast, did not waste any time in stamping their authority against Plaisance Panthers. Brandon Smith opened their account in the 14th minute before Ronaldo Fredericks doubled the advantage 5 minutes later. Kobe Durant converted the first of his double in the 31st minute to make it 3-0 in Buxton’s favour as the first half ended with the score unchanged.
Yarrowkabra Jaguars goal scorers from right, Mellon Joseph, Desmond Chester and Michael Williams
Kuru Kururu Warriors scorers from right, Jonathan Bailet, Shamar Gillis and Laren Matthews
On resumption, Buxton continued where they left off from the first half; Plaisance not finding a way to stem the flow of goals much less to contain the rampant Buxtonians. Joshua Liverpool made it 4-0 one minute after the resumption, while Isaiah Anderson increased the advantage in the 60th minute. Three minutes later, Durant completed his double to make it 6-0 with the 7th and 8th goal coming off the boot of Yamani Armstrong in the 69th minute and Troni Semple one minute later to complete a perfect performance from Buxton United.
The opening match of the league saw Mahaica Determinators easing past BV Triumph United 4-0, Kevon John firing in two goals of his own including the first goal of the league which came in the 10th minute and was celebrated in grand style by John with a summersault. Seven minutes later, John was again on the score sheets as the advantage for Mahaica was doubled. The result was more-or-less confirmed for Mahaica in the 35th minute thanks to a Nicholas Daw goal. Plaisance while not able to pull one back did keep Mahaica at bay as only one goal was scored in the final 45 minutes, Kareem Pitt doing the honours in the 76th minute.
EDFA Vice President Gregory Wickham during remarks following the march past congratulated all the players and clubs for being a part of this tournament whilst also expressing gratitude to the Management and Staff of NAMILCO for their investment and the GFF for the initiative. Wickham encouraged the players to always play fair and respect each other, encouraging them to be very competitive as scouts would be watching them as the GFF seek to put together a national U-17 squad.
Matches today at the same venue from 13:00hrs will see Buxton Stars facing off with Ann’s Grove, to be followed by a showdown between Buxton Youth Developers and Victoria Kings.
West Demerara Football Association
Slingerz Football Club in their debut competitive youth match had to come from behind to salvage an equal share of the points in their match against Wales United, the lone encounter on the West Demerara at the Den Amstel Community Centre ground; the match ended 1-1. Wales took the lead in the 29th minute thanks to a Shawn Downer goal. Slingerz evened proceedings five minutes before the half time break when Revaldo Smith hammered home his shot.
Another match will be contested today when Den Amstel entertain Eagles FC at the same venue from 12:00hrs.
East Bank Football Association
Debutants Yarrowkabra Jaguars made a great impression in their first match with a come from behind 3-3 draw with neighbours Kuru Kururu Warriors in the lone game that was contested at the Grove Playfield yesterday.
Mocha Champs walked away winners of their scheduled clash against Friendship which failed to show up for the feature game.
However, the fans that were present at the Grove Playfield were not disappointed as they witnessed a high octane match between the two Linden Soesdyke Highway villages. KK Warriors it was that sailed ahead six minutes on, Shamar Gillis converting.
It took some time for the Yarrowkabra Jaguars to claw back but that they did on 24 minutes when Mellon Joseph rocked the nets. The half ended with the scores unchanged but it was the new kids on the block that would snatch the lead four minutes after the break, Desmond Chester doing the honours.
Never allowing their neighbours to feel that they were going to have things their way, KK Warriors equalized in the 58th minute thanks to a Laren Matthews goal and six minutes later from the penalty spot, they retook the lead when Jonathan Bailey scored.
As the minutes ticked away, the Warriors were fancying their chances of taking full points but the debutants had different ideas, Michael Williams firing home in the 69th minute to earn an equal share of the points for the young Jaguars.
Today, weather permitting Diamond United will take on Agricola from 13:00hrs while Grove are down to oppose Herstelling in the main match.
Georgetown Football Association
Two matches were scheduled for the GFC ground yesterday but did not come off. According to the GFA, yesterday’s matches along with today’s encounters will all be played at the Tucville ground from ground from 09:00hrs.
Santos will oppose Camptown, Pele play Alpha United, Order and Discipline match skills with Eastveldt, while GFC tangle with Fruta Conquerors.
Source: K/NEWS by Franklin Wilson