Eastern Lions in FA quarter-finals

HOLDERS Joe Public edged their way into this year’s quarter-final stage of the FA Trophy in the Eastern Football Association with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over lowly HCL Strikers. Twice the Strikers, without a point in league action came back to draw level with the Eastern Lions, only for Kwesi Thomas to fire in the winner.

Dwight Francis and Keston Alexander scored the other goals for the trophy holders, while Kwesi Luke and Stephen Stoute got the Strikers goals. Coast Guard, playing their first season in the EFA, edged BM Spurs 2-1 to also advance to the quarter-finals. Deon McFarlane and Sherwin Joseph scored for the Coast Guardsmen, while Keron Mitchell got the goal for the Spurs. Falcon Crest scored a surprise 1-0 victory, booting out the highly fancied WASA Clean and White from the series on Lester Richards’ goal. Current league leaders East/West Coaching School were kicked out 5-4 after holding TSTT to a 0-0 draw at the end of regulation time.

In quarter-final action, Joe Public meet Malta Carib Alcons at Maracas Recreation ground tomorrow, while Falcon Crest take on Coast Guard at Sosconosco Recreation ground and TSTT play either Alcons or the Eastern Lions at St Augustine Senior Comprehensive ground on Thursday.  Games kick off at 4.15 pm. According to secretary Neville Ferguson, the FA Trophy final will be contested at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Dr Joso Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Tunapuna, on August 15.