Jabloteh climb to top spot in Pro League

A converted penalty by Jamaican defender Adrian Reid three minutes from the end of regular time and a stoppage-time strike from substitute attacker Aaquil Campbell earned the Keith Jeffrey- coached “San Juan Kings” full points against a side that had rattled their crossbar twice in the second half.

The win propelled Jabloteh (10 points) three spots up to occupy the summit -- one point ahead of W Connection and North East Stars, who had mixed results on Friday night, and three points ahead of three-time holders Central FC, who have a game in hand against North East Stars.

Jabloteh had enjoyed the better share of first-half chances, but had themselves to blame after Rangers’ goalkeeper Cleon John put behind a Vurlon Mills effort and Keithy Simpson and Damian Williams missed close-ranged opportunities.

Rangers too, were at their own fault. Substitute winger Josh Toussaint and forward Xae Pierre De Fou both saw their efforts crash off the bar moments after teenaged midfielder Che Benny had forced Jabloteh goalkeeper Javon Sample into a low save from distance.

Toussaint was the first to rattle the Jabloteh crossbar after meeting a low Rennie Britto feed from the left, in a move that was created by a neat through-ball from Benny in the 66th minute.

Thirteen minutes later De Fou, who lifted an attempt inches overbar in the first half, followed suit when he scooped his effort onto the bar off a right side cross from tenacious Rangers midfielder Omari Lezama. But coach Anthony Streete’s men broke down at the death. Reid, Jabloteh’s penalty specialist, wrong-sided John in the 87th minute to break the deadlock after defender Shane Sandy brought down Kennedy Hinkson – released by a Nathan Lewis feed – inside the box.

Campbell then completed the late victory two minutes into stoppage- time with a shot from the middle of the area that had too much sting for John’s outstretched arms. Lewis again involved after he was picked out by a long Jesus Perez cross to then provide the pass for Campbell, who did what his teammates struggled to do in the first half. Jabloteh will meet W Connection in a top-of-the-table clash on Friday at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva. Rangers, meanwhile, must regroup quickly as they face Club Sando in a rescheduled fixture tomorrow from 6pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium before hosting North East Stars on Saturday at the St. Augustine Secondary School Ground.

(ttproleague.com)