Naparima eliminate Presentation 2-0

NAPARIMA got two goals in the space of two minutes to defeat Presentation Chaguanas 2-0 in yesterday’s quarterfinal of the British Gas Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) Big 5 (League) competition. Goals by Kezi Lara, in the 83rd, and Ateba Forde two minutes later saw the South Zonal princes advance to Tuesday’s semifinals versus East Zone winners Arima. But those strikes were the only eventful moments of an otherwise disappointing match in front of a predominantly strong “Pres” crowd of 1,000. Naps had the first real chance after 10 minutes, with Kezi Lara rounding midfielder Kevon Lalloo on the right and sending his shot across the goal with Pres goalkeeper Jeremy Haynes beaten. Striker Kern Robinson saw his 12th minute lob hit the crossbar and his 18th minute attempt held by Haynes.

But the encounter went into a lull, with both teams content on defence instead of attack, until the inclusion of forwards Aaron Downing and Brenton De Leon at the half. De Leon, sent goalbound by Renato Ramlochan in the 58th, sent his cross wide while, three minutes later, saw his goal disallowed by referee Shane De Silva for offside. The combative Pres defenders buckled under relentless pressure from the Southerners, with Lara opening the scoring, albeit controversially, in the 83rd. With striker Aaron Downing noticeably offside, assistant referee Gordon Maloney’s flag stayed down and Lara, collecting a long ball, sent his right-footer past the stranded Haynes. But there was no doubt about the second, with Forde beating Pres’ offside trap and chipping the advancing Haynes. Meanwhile, in the final SSFL North Zone fixture yesterday, the “Westmoorings Tigers” St Anthony’s defeated Malick 3-0 at the St Anthony’s Grounds, Westmoorings. The three-time zone champs will begin the defence of their Big 5 title tomorrow against Signal Hill.