Connection claim inaugural Digicel Charity Shield

At the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, Connection scored on either side of the half through ex-national players Shahdon Winchester and Joevin Jones.

The Charity Shield, the curtain-raiser to the 2012-2013 season, features the Digicel Pro League Champion (W Connection) and the Digicel Pro Bowl winner (Defence Force).

Fourteen minutes into the match Defence Force suffered a major disadvantage when defensive midfielder Curtis Gonzales picked up a direct red card from referee Rodphin Harris for maliciously stamping Connection’s Jomal Williams, following a collision.

Five minutes later Williams tested goalkeeper Kevin Graham from some 24 yards out, but the Defence Force goalie was excellent pushing the strike wide for a corner.

However it was from the resulting corner that Connection made it 1-0. Winchester snatched the opener when he pounced on a delay by defender Rodell Elcock inside the six-yard box, smashing a powerful shot past Graham.

Moments later, in the 27th minute, Jones rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort when he was found by Clyde Leon’s measured pass behind the defence, and the rebound was hammered overbar by Winchester. Defence Force’s best first-half effort came in the 42nd minute from a set piece by striker Devorn Jorsling just outside the are a which forced a good save by keeper Jan-Michael Williams.

Connection then doubled its advantage two minutes into the second period from a brilliant strike by Jones from distance which flew past the gloves off Graham. It was from a squared pass by midfielder Jomal Williams that Jones opened room on his favoured left foot and spanked a left footed strike.