Lions roar in Toyota Classic

In the second of back-to-back matches at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima, Caledonia thought they had the match sewn up following a 62nd minute strike from Oneke Forde.

But, with seconds ticking into stoppage time, forward Roen Nelson levelled the scores at 1-1, and forced the match to be decided by penalty kicks.

Caledonia, who kicked first from the mark, suffered an early setback when Anthony Haynes missed, but ex-Trinidad and Tobago defender Shurland David, Forde, Sheldon Emmanuel and national midfielder Densil Theobald all scored.

For the "Lions," Devon Caseman, Nelson, Carlington Smith and Wolry Wolfe scored but Leandro Mancao missed Joe Public’s second try.

With the scores locked at 4-4, a sudden-death showdown was required, with veteran Titus Elva failing with his attempt while goalkeeper Jacomeno Barrett shot home, to spark wild celebrations among the Joe Public fans. Defence Force had to rely on their experience and their inner strength, as they rallied from a goal down to eliminate Crab Connection in the second match of a double-header at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo. Joseph Peters gave the "Crabs" a 61st minute item, but Criston Baptiste equalised nine minutes later.

When it seemed that a penalty shootout was needed, Bevon Lewis got the winner for the "Teteron Lads" in the 83rd. As expected, W Connection and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh advanced to the semi-final stage.

Earl Jean netted a hat-trick, while fellow striker Randolph Jerome added one, as W Connection breezed past United Petrotrin 4-1 in the first match at Arima.

And ex-national captain Angus Eve’s penalty was enough to give Jabloteh a 1-0 win over North East Stars, in the earlier fixture at Mucurapo.