North East Stars get victory in Arima

Villaroel — one of eight debutants in the hosts’ starting lineup — pulled a rabbit out the hat when he surprised all in the 11th minute with a cracker from almost 30-yards out to beat Civic goalkeeper Akini Adams for his first goal in thirteen months.

Ironically, the former Central FC and Puerto Rico Islanders left fullback’s previous goal was in a 4-0 Central win against his current employers.

Only a rocket of a volley by Elton John three minutes from the half could have outdone his teammate last night, but Adams produced an equally magnificent save to keep out the shot.

Jameel Neptune’s crosscum- shot which crashed off the Civic bar in the fifth minute, and a long-range effort from returning player Jomoul Francois which whisked past Adams’ crossbar five minutes later had provided early warnings for the visitors and excitement for the few hundreds of spectators that came to witness professional football in the heart of Arima.

It was a creditable opening display by a North East Stars team scrambled together following a failed attempt by multiple-time Pro League-winning coach, Englishman Terry Fenwick, to take charge for the new season.

Arima native Derek King, who had joined on as assistant coach, suddenly found himself in the role of head coach. But the former Trinidad and Tobago senior team assistant coach shook off the rust to piece together a team worthy of representing the 2004 league champions and the borough of Arima.

King holds the record as the youngest coach to win the Pro League, leading Joe Public to the crown in 2009 at age 29.

Now back at age 37, his first return since parting ways with Joe Public in early 2011, the former TT international defender still stands as the youngest coach.

King handed starting debuts to former Central players Villaroel, Rundell Winchester, Kishun Seecharan and goalkeeper Akel Clarke; former Morvant Caledonia United duo Jameel Neptune and Seon Thomas; Stars U-17 midfielder Keon Boney, and former Central and W Connection forward Dwight Quintero, who is coming off a lengthy layoff due to an ankle injury which required surgery.

Elton John, Adrian Noel, and second-half substitute Kerry Baptiste were the only surviving members of last season’s squad, while Francois has returned following a brief stint at St. Ann’s Rangers.

Civic also had a number of player returns along with head coach Reynold Carrington, who had walked off the job in January 2015 due to players’ lack of motivation and pointed the problem to uncertainties over salaries.

But in a renewed twist of faith, Carrington, a former TT national captain, said his return is all about serving a community that’s very dear to him.

Carrington’s return also led to the return of defensive hardman Andre Ettienne, midfielder Kelvin Modeste and Adams, while former W Connection attacker Jabari Mitchell is among the new faces.

Pro League play continues today with a double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium where Defence Force tackle Police FC from 6pm and W Connection, equipped with former Central and Civic star forward Marcus Joseph, take on MICIT St. Ann’s Rangers from 8pm.

(ttproleague.com)