Benedict’s blank tough Vessigny 2-0

ST BENEDICT’S overcame a tough Vessigny outfit 2-0 as the South Zone of the British Gas Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) began at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella yesterday. And Naparima held a 2-1 lead over reigning champs Princes Town in the second match of the doubleheader, with two right-footed blasts from veteran midfielder Brenton De Leon in the 20th and 30th minutes. Another seasoned campaigner, Lyndon Luke, gave the P/Town lads the early initiative with an eighth minute penalty. Ryan Forbes put the La Romain boys in front after four minutes, from a right-side centre from Shawn Yearwood, Forbes buried his right-footer past Vessigny goalkeeper Kona Modeste. Vessigny applied a lot of pressure on the Benedict’s defence in the second half, with Alvin Alexander seeing his blast blocked by Benedict’s goalie Benedict Tenia in the 58th while utility player Hughton Hector saw his right-footer rebound against the crossbar a minute later.

In a rare attack by the Benedict’s front line, Yearwood eluded the challenges from two defenders but saw his chip miss the mark by inches. But Yearwood made amends in the dying seconds when, from a counter-attack, he lobbed the advancing Modeste, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Play in the East Zone continued yesterday, with debutants Hillview were held to a goalless draw away to Barataria. South Zone action continues this afternoon with Pleasantville hosting Mayaro while Fyzabad Composite welcomes Presentation San Fernando. And, in the North, Malick meet Diego Martin Secondary at the Hasely Crawford Stadium and Morvant/Laventille mark their return to the top flight with a visit to the CIC Grounds, St Clair to face St Mary’s.  Kick-off time today for all matches is 3.45 pm.