Stars rally to hold Connection to 2-2 draw

This match was the second game of a double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva on Friday.

Both teams have a total of 13 points, but North East Stars hold the edge by virtue of a superior goal difference.

Neil Benjamin opened the scoring after two minutes, taking a pass from the left by Surinamese winger Dimitrie Apai and guiding his right-footed shot to the left of goalkeeper Akel Clarke.

A similar move, in the 24th, could have made things worse for Stars, but a sliding Benjamin failed to connect on Apai’s pass.

Veteran Stars striker Kerry Baptiste had a good chance to even the scores, 11 minutes later, as he met a low cross from Akeem Garcia but sent his effort wide.

Connection extended their lead in the 38th, courtesy of good work by Benjamin, who battled his way between a few defenders and sent an aerial ball which was headed home, from close range, by Marcus Joseph.

Connection seemed intent on slowing the pace and indulging in a few time-wasting tactics, which backfired badly.

Referee Rashby McPhie allowed play to continue though Connection right-back Alvin Jones was sitting in the penalty box, awaiting medical attention, and Stars left-back Jameel Neptune saw his speculative shot parried into his own net by goalie Julani Archibald, in the 81st.

And, 10 minutes later, North East got a deserved equaliser when substitute Kordell Samuel broke the off-side trap to head home a deep free-kick from Leston Paul.

Earlier on the evening, St Ann’s Rangers edged three-time champs Central FC 1-0 courtesy of a left-footed strike, from outside of the penalty box, by Josh Toussaint, in the 57th.

And, at Mahaica Oval, hosts Point Fortin Civic played to a goalless draw against Police.