Connection, Police in tough draw

The 20-year-old Diaz — with his first touch of the ball — smashed a right-footed volley into the Police net to level the scores at 2-2. It was the second time on the night that Police, 5-1 winners over Ma Pau Stars in their opening game a week ago, allowed the advantage to slip after taking the lead twice through forward Keion Wilson and an own goal credited to Connection full-back Kurt Frederick.

Wilson headed the Lawmen in front on 21 minutes for his second goal in as many matches this season when he beat Connection second choice goalkeeper Terrence Lewis off a Kadeem Riley cross.

However, midfielder Kevon Goddard pulled Connection level at 1-1 eight minutes later with Police ‘keeper Theon Browne hung out to dry after Andre Toussaint won back the ball in contest with defender Elijah Belgrave at the right top corner of the six-yard box. Toussaint then served up a juicy offer for an onrushing Goddard, who made no mistake in beating a hapless Browne from the middle of the penalty area.Browne, occupying the position between the sticks in absence of first choice ‘keeper Adrian Foncette currently on international duty with the Trinidad and Tobago team, made a double-save early on to deny Connection and Grenada forward Jamal Charles. Browne also defied gravity in the 20th minute to push over a headed attempt by Connection forward Shackiel Henry, who, moments earlier, was denied by the base of the upright after smashing in a low drive from the top of the box.

Connection, however, fell behind again on 49 minutes when Frederick headed past his own goalkeeper Lewis in an attempt to clear a dangerous right side corner whipped in by Nequan Caruth. Police led 2-1. But from what turned out a masterstroke, Connection coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier summoned Diaz, and with a touch of brilliance by the former Siparia Spurs midfielder, Connection were level again in the 62nd.

Diaz hammered his perfectly timed volley into the Police net after Browne punched clear a cross straight to his feet. Police remain unbeaten after two matches and are now second behind leaders and two-time defending champions Central (six points) on the 2016/17 standings and tied on four points with Morvant Caledonia United and St Ann’s Rangers. (ttproleague.com)