Tobago United registers shock win in First Citizens Cup qualifier.
By: Gordon Pierre (ttproleague.com).
Veteran Guyanese striker Collie Hercules registered one goal and set up another to help underdogs Tobago United record a historic victory over North East Stars in the first qualifying match of the First Citizens Cup on Tuesday afternoon at the Larry Gomes Stadium.
Tobago United’s 2-1 victory not only saw them book their place in the quarterfinal and would meet League leaders Caledonia AIA on Friday at the same venue but also registering their first ever win in a knockout tournament.
But it was North East Stars’ John Stewart who got the game started in full pace when he tested goalkeeper James Baird in the first minute.
The Sangre Grande based club continued to pressure the Tobago outfit but had to wait until the 12th minute to see another goal scoring opportunity when veteran midfielder Kendall Velox let loose a shot over the crossbar.
The James Mc Lean coached side didn’t allow the Tobagonians much room to create chances but failed to get clear cut scoring opportunities themselves.
North East Stars soon lost ace forward Randolph Jerome in the 32nd minute due to a slight injury.
But while the ‘Grande Stars’ were sorting out their injury woos Tobago United took the unexpected advantage.
Against the run of play Quacy Johnson got the ball in the back of the net after a brilliant build up between Collie Hercules and Garth Woodley left him with the simple task of slotting the ball pass goalkeeper Curtis Granger for a 1-0 lead.
North East Stars worked desperately hard to level the score and launch raid after raid on the Tobago.
North East Stars got their equalizing item on the stroke of half time when substitute Carlon Hughes on his second try slotted the ball past goalkeeper James Baird after his initial attempt on goal was parried.
The Sangre Grande based club leveling the score 1-1 to the dressing rooms, setting up an exciting second half.
However the Tobagonians returned after the break with a renewed energy.
Tobago United recovered their advantage in the 56th minute when Collie Hercules skillfully turned his marker above the area to register a magnificent winner off the upright and into the net for a 2-1 lead.
The goal silenced the North East Stars faithfuls who turned up at the Larry Gomes Stadium but ignited the ‘Grande Stars’ on field performance as they went in search of an equalizer.
North East Stars’ Irvin Reyes had a great opportunity in the 73rd minute when he met Marc Leslie’s cross unmarked inside the Tobago penalty area but header over.
Second half substitute Iyiaka Okechukyu wasted another opportunity for the ‘Grande Stars’ three minutes later when he chose to lay off a pass instead of getting off a shot on the goal at his mercy.
In the 79th minute North East Stars goalscorer Carlon Hughes thought he had the equalizer but watched in horror as the ball banged off the cross bar and back into play.
And on the other end his teammate and centre back Marlon Stoute would count himself lucky not to be given a red card for pulling Tobago United’s goalbound Garvin Mc Kenna who was set free by a Hercules through ball.
The entertaining First Citizens qualifying clash didn’t end until the last minute with a telling run and shot by Tobago United’s Garth Woodley and following that his goalkeeper James Baird had to pull off a breathtaking save in time added on to deny a Glenton Wolfe header. In the end the Tobagonians held out for their 2-1 win and quarterfinal spot with their personal history making performance.
North East Stars — Curtis Granger, Errol Charles, Glenton Wolfe (capt), John Stewart (Akeil Guevara), Keryn Navarro, Andre Charles, Kendall Velox, Marc Leslie, Marlon Stoute, Randolph Jerome (Carlon Hughes), Irvin Reyes (Iyiaka Okechukyu)
Coach—James Mc Lean
Tobago United — James Baird, Warren Phillips (capt), Garvin Mc Kenna, George Dublin, Jamal Jack, Kevin Adams (Handel Manwell), Collie Hercules, Garth Woodley, Marvin Phillips (Pierre Joseph), Javin Crawford, Quacy Johnson.
Coach—Kenny Thomas
Man of the Match—Collie Hercules(Tobago United)
North East Stars v Tobago United
1 Goals 2
2 Shots on Target 4
4 Corners 4
2 Offsides 3
8 Fouls 11
1 Yellow Cards 3
0 Red Cards 0
