Coaching School win Tobago opener

TWO headed goals by Keon Davis led champions St Clair’s Coaching School to a comfortable 3-1 victory over Pepsi FA Cup winners 1976 FC Phoenix XS when the Tobago Football Association Warner’s Group of Companies Semi-Professional Football League got underway on Sunday.

Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Orville London addressed the 23 teams following a colourful march past, together with Minister of Public Utilities and the Environment Rennie Dumas. They then both kicked off the ball to start the match at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Bacolet, Tobago. Victory gave the two-time champions the Harvey Jack Rentals Charity Shield and sounded a warning to all-comers that they are going for a three-peat.

Phoenix stunned their rivals with an own goal in the 26th minute, when while attempting to clear a corner kick, defender Ronnel Grant put the ball past his goalkeeper Cleve Gray. But Davis headed in the equaliser in the 35th following a corner from the right. His second headed goal on the stroke of half-time gave Coaching School the lead which they never surrendered. Kirch Spencer dispelled any hope Phoenix were having of a fightback when he hit a powerful shot from 25-metres out past the goalkeeper for the final scoreline. Proceeds of Sunday’s opener watched by a fair crowd will go to a charity to be decided.