Defence Force, Ma Pau Stars prevail in First Citizens Cup

Ma Pau finished 3-1 winners over San Juan Jabloteh thanks to the brilliance of their goalkeeper, on kicks from the spot, following a 1-1 draw in the second game of a play-off double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

Defence Force, in the earlier play-off, thanks to a second half Hashim Arcia strike, edged Club Sando 1-0 despite losing attacker Darryl Trim to a direct red card moments before the break.

Two-time former champions Defence Force advance into the quarter-final play on Saturday against St Ann’s Rangers from 4 pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium followed by Ma Pau Stars against First Citizens Cup holders and seven-time champions W Connection from 6 pm, all determined by a random draw.

And as part of an increased prize money scheme in the First Citizens Cup, which will see bonuses for each win throughout the tournament, both play-off winners walked away $3,000 richer.

Quarter-final action continues on Sunday with two-time champions Central FC against Morvant Caledonia United from 3.30 pm at the Morvant Recreation Ground, and on Monday, Police FC and Point Fortin Civic will tackle each other from 6 pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium.

Jabloteh, who tied the game nine minutes from time through substitute Kennedy Hinkson, had a solid start in the shootout.

Goalkeeper Andrew Durant had denied Stars’ midfielder Elton John before defender Josiah Trimmingham powered the San Juan club’s first kick past Samuel.

But Samuel, who was unlucky to concede the equaliser after getting glove to Hinkson’s header - only to see it crash off the upright before entering at the opposite end - went on to deny Tyrone Charles, who curled an attempt inches wide during regular time, Nathan Lewis and Kion Joseph in the shootout.

Neil Mitchell, Keryn Navarro and Haydon Tinto were clinical from the spot for Ma Pau Stars who had led the game on 57 minutes through Kerry Daniel.

Daniel rounded off a wonderful team move by firing past Durant on a rebound after the former Guyana shot-stopper had flung himself to keep out a crack from Hayden Tinto.

Britto, who failed to put the Stars ahead after 10 minutes, had a breakaway ten minutes from time with Jabloteh captain Damian Williams and defender Jevon Morris in chase but anxiously guided left-footed attempt wide of Durant’s far upright.

Soon after Ma Pau were made to pay when Hinkson equalised with a low header after Jabloteh increased the tempo through the arrival of speedy winger Nathan Lewis off the bench for his first appearance this season since being shot in the shoulder during a drive-by shooting in his Maloney hometown last September.

Earlier at the Couva venue on Tuesday night, Arcia’s second half strike made the difference for Defence Force as coach Marvin Gordon’s side progressed to next weekend’s quarter-final play at the expense of Sando.

Defence Force had finally made use of their possession advantage eight minutes inside the second period when Arcia, who had earlier attempts on either side of the break, steered home a Jemel Sebro cross past Sando goalkeeper Stefan Berkeley.

Trim, only on his second appearance for Defence Force, was given his marching orders by referee Gyasi Mc Donald two minutes from the break with a direct red card for a challenge on Sando’s defensive midfielder Jared London.

(ttproleague.com)