Connection youths complete Pro League double

W CONNECTION completed their remarkable run in the Under-15 and U-17 divisions of the T&T Pro League with victories in yesterday’s knockout finals at Gilbert Park, Couva. The lads from Savonnetta edged a pesky Joe Public outfit 2-1 in the U-15 decider and, in the other match of the doubleheader, Connection rolled past Arima Fire 3-0; adding the knockout crowns to their league titles. Silas Spann, brother of national U-23 captain Silvio Spann and son of Connection’s senior team coach Leroy Spann, gave the hosts the lead after 20 minutes in their U-15 confrontation. But the “Eastern Lions” equalised after the halftime interval — the match comprised of 40 minutes per half — to put the pressure back on the rampaging Connection.

With seconds ticking in regulation time Aaron Downing, the division’s most prolific scorer, found the back of the net to secure another piece of silverware for the Southerners. In the U-17 matchup, Arima Fire held firm until the 37th minute when Devon Drayton put Connection in front. Despite the expulsion of defender Ancil Farrier in the 66th for his second bookable offence, Fire showed no urgency in their play, and their lethargy was fully exploited by the Connection strike pair of Drayton and Gorean “Mickey Rat” Highley. The visitors fell further behind in the 74th; a left-side corner by Kerron Neptune was held behind the goalline by keeper David Nicholas and assistant referee John Clarke signalled the goal, to the dismay of the Fire squad and coaching staff. And Connection delivered the knockout punch in the 85th with Highley, the national U-17 striker and one of the most gifted in the youth circuit, collecting a through ball from Dorian Daniel at the half-line, twisting and turning past Fire defender Matthew Cupid and tapping home past a beleagured Nicholas. Cupid’s misery was compounded with double cautions, and an automatic sending-off, in the 90th by referee Phillip Jordan.