Defence Force edge Jabloteh

Another ex-national player, Willis Plaza, found the back of the net for Jabloteh, who ended the match with 10 players as captain Damian Williams was sent off for abusive language towards assistant referee Obadele Thomas.

The result was Defence Force’s first win of the season, while Jabloteh fell to their first defeat of the 2016-2017 season.

Jabloteh had a chance to open the scoring in the eighth minute, with Noel Williams getting a ball over the top from fellow midfielder Tyrone Charles, but he struck his left-footer overbar.

Defence Force took the lead in the 22nd courtesy Balthazar, who rose above the defence to head Kerry Joseph’s freekick high past the leaping goalkeeper Shemel Louison, after Jorsling was bundled on the left flank by centre-back Aquil Selby.

Plaza had two chances to even the scores - in the 26th, he unleashed a right-footer from distance which was saved by goalie Sheldon Clarke (with Brent Sam skying the rebound overbar) and, in the 37th, he sent a left-footed shot high after he was picked out by Charles.

The striker again had an opportunity to score, a minute into the second half, with a left-footed effort which was held by Clarke.

But, at the other end, Louison and left-back Akeem Benjamin got in a tangle, under pressure from Jorsling, but Benjamin made amends to clear a goal-bound shot from Hashim Arcia.

Eventually, Plaza knotted the scores in the 74th, rising between two defenders to head home a cross from the right by Jevon Morris.

But there was a moment of debate 11 minutes later when Balthazar’s cross struck the outstretched arm of Selby. Thomas waved his flag to state the infringement took place inside of the penalty box and referee Crystal Sobers awarded a penalty, to the fury of the Jabloteh players. Captain Williams was shown a red card in the process while Jorsling calmly converted from the spot, sending Louison the wrong way.

In the first game on Sunday, St Ann’s Rangers and Morvant Caledonia United played to a 1-1 draw.

Jameel Neptune put Morvant Caledonia ahead in the 42nd minute before Devon Drayton equalised in the 48th.

Both teams finished the game with 10 men each as Neptune and Rangers’ Shakiyl Phillip were both dismissed by referee Keilon Bacchus after an on-field scuffle.

On Friday, in a pair of matches at the Mahaica Oval in Point Fortin, Central FC rallied from a goal down to defeat Club Sando 2-1 while Ma Pau Stars eased past hosts Point Fortin Civic FC 2-0.

In the final Round One Match Day Two contest today, W Connection will oppose Police at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva from 6 pm.