Caledonia outlast United for 3-2 win.
By: Gordon Pierre (ttproleague).[/size]
Second half substitute Hayden Tinto blasted a late winner as Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA scored a workman like come from behind 3-2 victory over an enterprising Petrotrin team in the first game a Pro League double header at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, Arima.
The game got off to a frantic start with Caledonia’s Jason Cudjoe shooting wide as early as the 3rd minute. The teams were continuing to fight for control of the game when in the 8th minute United Petrotrin was awarded, what to many present was a mystery goal when Caledonia’s keeper was adjudged to have crossed the goal line when in possession of the ball after a routine take—the ‘Oilmen’ leading 1-0.
Kareem Joseph had two opportunities in the space of two minutes to equalize, but he struck wide and then straight at the keeper in the 12th and 13th minutes respectively.
Jerrol Forbes should have doubled Petrotrin advantage when Radanfah Abu Bakr uncharacteristically mis-kicked in the 14th minute, allowing Forbes a free shot but he hit the side netting.
One minute later Simeon Augutus rose above the Caledonia defense but could not direct his header on goal. Caledonia continued to press for the equalizer and should have got it in the 23rd minute when Devon Modeste shot wide after a beautiful Caledonia build up.
Caledonia was made to pay three minutes later when a mix-up in the Caledonia defence left Jerol Forbes unmarked and onside and he made no mistake—Petrotrin leading 2-0. This second goal visibly rattled the Caledonia players who become very physical resulting in Abdalla Phillips being booked in the 29th minute.
The half-time team talk did wonders for Caledonia as within three minutes of the restart they were able to pull back a goal when Radanfah Abu Bakr rose above the United defence to head home a well taken free-kick.
Hayden Tinto as if as a sign of things to come almost scored with his first touch of the ball in the very first minute of him being on the field, when he hit just over the bar in the 63rd minute.
Seven minutes later a beautiful move started by Kendall Jagdeosingh was finished neatly by Kareem Joseph to tie up the scores at 2-2 in the 70th minute.
In the 77th minute goalkeeper Michael Woods had to be substituted because of injury after a collision with Anthony Haynes. Five minutes later second half sub Hayden Tinto was to be the hero for Caledonia when he fired home from close range after a missed clearance by United’s captain Anthony Rougier.
The game ended with a lot of rash challenges by Petrotrin players resulting in two yellow being issued in the 90th minute. In the end Caledonia held on for the 3-2 win to remain fifth on the ten team table.
Teams
Caledonia AIA[/b]—Michael Woods (Jhony Ortiz), Sterling Arjoon, Sheldon Emmanuel, Mckenzie Cadette, Radanfah Abu Bakr, Stephan David, Devon Modeste (Hayden Tinto), Kareem Joseph, Jason Cudjoe (Nigel Pierre), Abdullah Phillips, Kendall Jagdeosingh.
Coach—Jamal Shabbazz
United Petrotrin—Perry Martin, Simeon Augustus, Kevon Clement, Romauld Aguillera, Marlon Lewis Anthony Rougier, Al Sinclair, Kelvin Hernandez (Beville Joseph), Anthony Haynes, Jerrol Forbes, Keon Daniel.
Coach—Brian Williams
Referee: Russell Cassimere
CALEDONIA AIA v UNITED PETROTRIN
3 GOALS 2
1 YELLOW CARDS 3
0 RED CARDS 0
5 SHOTS ON TARGET 3
16 FOULS 10
4 CORNERS 2
2 OFFSIDES 2
