Central edge Connection to open title defence

Central FC, vying for their third straight league title, needed a late winner from former captain Leston Paul to secure three points against their arch rivals.

Current skipper Darren Mitchell opened the scoring in the 41st minute, hitting a right-footer to the left of goalkeeper Terrence Lewis, from a pass by winger Johan Peltier, who initially made light work of a challenge from right-back Alvin Jones.

With a number of players from the Dominican Republic football team in attendance (they were slated to play Trinidad and Tobago last evening), Central FC seemed content to hold on to their one-goal advantage.

But against the run of play in the 84th minute, Connection’s Akim Andrews sent an aerial ball in the penalty box towards Andre Toussaint whose headed pass was met by substitute striker Jamal Charles.

The muscular Grenadian, who was unmarked, powered his header to the right of goalie Javon Sample.

C entral FC fought hard for the winning goal, but Paul, as well as the supporters on hand, were surprised how it materialised.

In stoppage time, he collected a ball near the halfway line and was virtually escorted to the penalty box before he guided his left-footed shot beyond the reach of an outstretched Lewis.

Earlier on the day, Police showed their fighting qualities as they battled from a goal down to trounce Ma Pau Stars 5-1 at Mucurapo.

Ma Pau Stars (formerly North East Stars) fielded a number of past national players, including captain Anthony Wolfe (32-years-old), his brother Glenton (34-years-old), Carlos Edwards (37-years-old), Kerry Baptiste (34-years-old), as well as Jason Scotland (37-yearsold) and Hayden Tinto, (31-yearsold).

But it was 24-year-old ex-national Under-15 captain Jerrel Britto who found the back of the net, in the 12th minute.

Police’s veteran captain Todd Ryan replied with a pair, in the 22nd and 24th, while Jameel Perry (38th), Christon Thomas (49th) and Keon Wilson (89th) completed the emphatic comeback for the lawmen. Also on Tuesday, the fixture between Club Sando and San Juan Jabloteh was completed at the Mahaica Oval in Point Fortin – the game was abandoned on Friday due to floodlight failure. However, Jabloteh held on to their 1-0 lead till the end after Keston Julien scored in the 14th minute.

On Friday, also at Mahaica, Morvant Caledonia United whipped Point Fortin Civic FC 3-1 while, on Sunday, St Ann’s Rangers blanked Defence Force 2-0 at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima.

Round One Match Day Two encounters will take place from tomorrow until next Tuesday.