Central FC, Connection clash in ‘Couva derby’

Connection (17 points), the reigning League champions, are presently second on the 2014-2015 standings, three points adrift of leaders and Couva-rivals Central FC (20 points), who they must face today from 8 pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva in Round Two Match Day Two.

The championship still has more than a round and a half to play, with Central and W Connection occupying positions one and two respectively, while two-time former league winners Defence Force (16 points) occupy third.

Defence Force will meet Police FC from 6 pm on Sunday following a 4 pm clash between cellar-placed St Ann’s Rangers and Play Whe San Juan Jabloteh.

Today the Round Two Match Day Two action will commence from 6 pm when North East Stars tackle Point Fortin Civic, prior to the “El Cl?sico” between rivals Connection and Central FC.

“Our objective is to retain the championship,” said Charles-Fevrier, who led the “Savonnetta Boys” to five titles - League, FA Trophy, Toyota Classic, Digicel Pro Bowl and Digicel Charity Shield last season. “We will do everything legally possible to do so.

“We are happy with (the position) we are at the moment. We have a top-of-the-table match coming up and the objective is to try and win the game. Both teams know each other very well. (Central) are a good team, capable of scoring goals, so we are preparing for a very difficult game.

“But we are very confident in our team and confident that we can defend our championship.”

Already, Connection have met Central, last season’s First Citizens Cup and Lucozade Sport Goal Shield winners, twice this season and enjoy an undefeated run against their rivals.

Connection defeated Central 1-0 to successfully defend the Charity Shield on September 20 before battling to a 1-1 draw on October 28 in Round One of the League.

Charles-Fevrier said that back then, Connection were unfortunate, conceding a penalty, which he described as “questionable”.

But since then, Central have defended the First Citizens Cup and are now occupying top position on the League standings.

Central have also utilised the January transfer window with the return of last season’s performers Willis Plaza, Rundell Winchester, Jamal Jack and Elton John, along with newcomers to the Couva club, Uriah Bentick, Kevon Villaroel and 25-year-old Jamaica international Upston Edwards to add depth to the back line.

The “Couva Sharks” also welcomed the return of pre-season signing Michael Yaw Darko. The 24-year-old Ghanaian, a former St Ann’s Rangers attacking midfielder, returns to coach Zoran Vranes’ squad from a loan stint at Cunupia FC.

Five-time league winners Connection, meanwhile, have used the transfer window to make available for selection Colombians Stiven Lopez Concha and Christian Rodriguez, St Lucian Shirvone Malik St Prix, and 23-year-old TT striker Shahdon Winchester.