Army, North East fight for FCB Cup spot

DEFENCE FORCE and North East Stars will face off for a semi-final spot in the 2005 First Citizens Bank (FCB) Cup, from 9 pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima, when the quarter-final stage kicks off today. There will be matches at both the Larry Gomes Stadium and the Manny Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella, simultaneously from 6.45 pm and 9 pm. The Army-Coast Guard combination reached the final of the 2004 tournament, but lost to W Connection in a penalty shootout. This time, they will be looking to gain their first piece of silverware since 2002. Coached by ex-Strike Squad midfielder Kerry Jamerson, the Defence Force recently acquired former national youth team players Marvin Phillips and Lyndon Diaz during the transfer window, while defender Addison Belfon returned to the team after a year-long absence.

The Teteron Lads have been focusing on youth this year, with strikers Odelle Armstrong, Jerwyn Balthazar, Kevon Carter and Devon Jorsling all under the age of 25. But national defender Anton Pierre, veterans Kelshall Alexander, Kwesi Smith and Kurt Williams will ensure that the experience factor pays off for Defence Force tonight. North East Stars have had a different sort of transition, as they have either terminated or waived contracts of seven players, months after lifting the 2004 T&T Pro League trophy. Veteran utility player Ansil Elcock have joined the Sangre Grande-based team and the 35-year-old, as well as another ex-TT striker Jerren Nixon, evergreen goalkeeper Trevor Nottingham, the Wolfe brothers Glenton and Anthony, and national Under-20 midfielder Kendall Jagdeosingh, will be the core of North East’s campaign for the competition.

And Guyanese fullback Charles Pollard, who was instrumental in their title chase last year, returns after spending most of the season with CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh. At 6.45 pm, Jabloteh will have the easy task of meeting Tobago United, who have been the season’s whipping boys despite including ex-Jabloteh forward Ijanna Mark and former Fire forward Ashford Legerton to their line-up this year. In the day’s other quarterfinal contest, Caledonia AIA/Fire will oppose United Petrotrin at 9 pm in Marabella, while Connection will meet an FCB XI in an exhibition match from 6.45 pm. The “semis” will take place at Marabella on September 23 with the final set for the same venue on September 30.