Central FC thrash Defence Force in Pro League

Conversely, in the earlier game of the Couva double-header, rivals W Connection registered their first league win after three attempts this season with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Club Sando, and are now five points adrift of leaders Central in fifth but tied on four points with, in descending order, Police, Morvant Caledonia United and St Ann’s Rangers.

It was the dosage of confidence booster both Central and Connection were seeking ahead of their final, but insignificant, CONCACAF Champions League 2016/17 group stage fixtures this week against United States’ Major League Soccer team Sporting Kansas City and Pumas UNAM of Mexico respectively.

Kemuel Rivers handed Sando the lead on 36 minutes against his ex-employers, beating goalkeeper Julani Archibald from the penalty spot after a handball was given against Connection captain Gerard Williams.

But the southerners, like in the previous game were they lost 2-1 against Central, failed to protect the early lead while goalscorer Rivers was unable to continue beyond 30 seconds into the second half due to injury.

Connection were level five minutes after the break when forward Shackiel Henry smashed a right-footer beyond the outstretched right arm of goalkeeper Kelvin Henry for his first Savonetta Boys goal since joining the club from Point Fortin Civic ahead of the season.

Sando then gave it completely away after allowing Connection’s Grenada international forward Jamal Charles to run unchallenged for almost 70 yards down the middle on a counter attack, before smashing a right-footed strike beyond goalkeeper Henry and into the back of the net for his second league goal this season.

However it was business as usual for the League leaders Central, coming off league wins against W Connection and Sando.

Joseph fired the Couva Sharks ahead on 13 minutes, hitting off the base of the upright to score past goalkeeper Sheldon Clarke after controlling off his chest a classy outside-the-boot feed over the top by midfielder Sean De Silva.

Jason Marcano then gave Central a 2-0 cushion two minutes from the half with a scorcher from the right side. Marcano’s strike was unmatched by Clarke after the winger controlled off his chest, a deep cross from the left by Joseph, before having an early go at goal beyond left-back Aklie Edwards. Substitute Hashim Arcia reduced the Defence Force deficit 11 minutes into the second half, hitting low past goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams after linking- up with Devorn Jorsling inside the area.

Defence Force found themselves deeper in trouble when Marcus Joseph completed his double from the penalty spot for a 3-1 Central lead after he was brought down in the area by defender Rodell Elcock on the hour mark.

Central midfielder and captain Darren Mitchell, off a feed from Keston George following an entertaining team move, then rounded off the scoring in stoppage- time with a composed finish past Clarke. (ttproleague.com)