Eastern Lions must-win in FCB Cup

JOE PUBLIC find themselves in a “must-win” situation today against South West Institute of Football (SWIF) at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya when the second-round of the First Citizens’ Bank (FCB) Cup quarterfinals takes place from 6 pm.

The “Eastern Lions” suffered a shock 1-0 loss to the tournament’s debutants at the Palo Seco recreation ground two weeks ago, their lone defeat in the 2003 football season. Both teams also battled to a 1-1 draw in the Pro League on May 25, also at Palo Seco. Another key contest will be held at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo with reigning champs Defence Force meeting W Connection. Connection hold a 2-1 lead after the first leg at the Ato Boldon Stadium on June 25 but that defeat was the Army-Coast Guard combination’s only setback in their last seven matches.

Though strikers Russell Pope and Sherman “Ants” Phillip have been in fine goal-scoring form for D/Force, Connection is tipped as the favourites to advance to the semis. In their other clash this season, at the Pro League opener on May 4, Connection walked away winners by a 1-0 margin. North East Stars will face a tough South Starworld Strikers at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, Arima while CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh will have an easy task against Caledonia AIA at the Ato Boldon Stadium. Both North East Stars and Jabloteh hold 2-0 advantages after first leg action.