Connection crush Rangers 5-0

But leaders Joe Public were held to a goalless draw by CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh in the marquee match-up of the evening.

With fourth-placed North East Stars scheduled to host United Petrotrin at the Sangre Grande Recreation Ground yesterday, Joe Public, dubbed the “Eastern Lions” lead Jabloteh by a superior goal-difference, as both teams have 16 points each.

The 2005 champs Connection are third on 13 points, one more than North East.

In the second match of a double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on Saturday Andre Toussaint gave Connection an 18th minute lead before his fellow striker Earl Jean extended the advantage in the 23rd.

Toussaint completed his hat-trick, in the 32nd and 67th minutes, while Andrei Pacheco ended the rout in the 90th.

In the earlier match at Couva, Defence Force registered their first win of the season, as they earned a come-from-behind 3-1 win over Tobago United.

With both teams entrenched at the bottom of the standings, the Tobagonians broke the deadlock in the 28th before Odelle Armstrong equalised on the stroke of halftime.

Christon Baptiste put the Army-Coast Guard combination in front after 79 minutes while Ronald Boyce sealed his team’s victory in the 84th.

Nigel Hart’s 57th minute item was enough to give Starworld Strikers a 1-0 win over Neal and Massy Caledonia AIA in the first match of a double-header at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima while Jabloteh and Joe Public failed to find the back of the net in the subsequent fixture.