Defending champions Central FC and two-time winners W Connection has advanced to the semi-finals of the 2016 Lucozade Sport Goal Shield after victories in the quarter-final round on Friday night.
W Connection easily disposed of North East Stars 4-1 in the second match of a double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, while the reigning champs Central FC needed penalty kicks to prevail against St Ann’s Rangers 3-1 after both teams finished locked at 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
Keron Cornwall opened the scoring for Rangers in the 20th minute before Rundel Winchester snatched the equaliser nine minutes later. Winchester (R) shook off two defenders before driving his left-footer past goalkeeper Biggette.
Though reduced to ten men, the “Couva Sharks” showed their superiority from the spot with goals from Jason Marcano, Rundel Winchester and Leston Paul while Rangers were left mourning missed chances and poorly-taken kicks.
Their lone goal came from Jameel Antoine. Johan Peltier and Keron Cornwall fired over the crossbar and Kevon Piper had his spot kick saved by goalkeeper Akel Clarke, who replaced first choice Jan-Michael Williams who is still nursing a shoulder injury.
After the game, Rangers coach Angus Eve said: “We have been working on finishing from the penalty spot but unfortunately it just didn’t come on the night.”
The Sharks’ only blemish from the kicks came when Elijah Manners attempt cannoned off the crossbar in only the team’s second kick. Later coach Dale Saunders said: “We never doubted ourselves on penalties. We have been practising penalties on the training ground and have been one hundred per cent.”
“We are grateful for the result. The season has been long and hard and with our players playing continuously, from the CONCACAF Champions League, we are now seeing some tired legs. It’s all about how we manage our players now as we look ahead.”
According to Saunders: “I knew Rangers was going to be a tough opponent. We had a sending-off and it was unfortunate but we grind it out and are happy to go into the next round.”
In the second game W Connection avenged their 1-3 loss to the Sangre Grande men in the Pro League a week ago and set up a mouth-watering “Couva Classico” clash next week.
“I am very pleased with the effort from our team,” W Connection technical director and coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier said.
“It was one of our better games in recent times. We were more consistent and much better in our execution as a team.”
They are six points behind leaders and defending champions Central FC on the DPL standings. The two will however meet on Tuesday from 8 pm at the same venue in a League fixture. Shahdon Winchester fired Connection ahead in the 10th minute, after captain Hughton Hector found him unmarked from a counter attack.
They could have extended the lead moments later but Briel Thomas, Winchester (Shahdon) and Neil Benjamin Jr failed to find the net with the goal at their mercy.
Kerry Baptiste later levelled the scores for the Stars 1-1 three minutes into the second half, smashing a half volley past Connection custodian Julani Archibald, who, only two minutes earlier had to keep out Anthony Wolfe’s stinging effort. However Connection, seeking their third trophy this season, stormed back with two goals in a space of five minutes.
Defender Julani Peters and midfielder Andre Toussaint found the nets, before Benjamin put the nail in the coffin with his item three minutes from regulation time. Peters’ goal in the 58th minute came when he raced on to a Jabari Mitchell’s feed and struck it low past Samuel in goal to restore the advantage 2-1.
And later Toussaint latched on to Hector’s through pass to beat the goalie in the 62nd minute. Benjamin then sealed the issue 4-1 with the goal of the game, when he chipped an on-rushing Samuel in the 87th minute.
Yesterday, Defence Force was scheduled to face Morvant Caledonia United at the Hasely Crawford Stadium at 4 pm, and San Juan Jabloteh was expected to face Police at 6 pm at the same venue in two other quarter-final matches.