St Augustine draw level in East.
By: Kern De Freitas (Express).[/size]
Queen's Royal College's thunderous pre-match chanting overshadowed that of yesterday's opponents Malick Secondary Comprehensive in their dressing room at QRC's St Clair Avenue ground. A similar effort on the field would surely have meant a more favourable outcome than a 1-0 loss for the home team.
But the story of the day belonged to St Augustine Secondary Comprehensive, who turned back a 1-0 first round defeat at the hands of East Zone leaders San Juan Secondary with victory by a similar scoreline. The defending East Zone and National League champs now have 19 points along with San Juan, who lead on goal difference.
In the North Zone, though, Akeem "Crouch" Bailey's second half penalty kick was the only difference between the two teams, keeping Malick in contention to win the North Zone and cellar-placed QRC still facing the prospect of relegation from the Championship Division for the first time in their history.
The Royalians enjoyed a better first half than they would have for most of the 2007 season. They had the first attempt on goal, but striker Jerrel Britto's free-kick sailed into Malick custodian Joseph Baird's gloves.
Malick never quite found their stride in the opening 45 minutes, but still managed the better chances. Kaydian Gabriel, however, missed the mark from close range, then forced a brilliant save out of QRC 'keeper Kareem Joseph.
Britto also had a few incisive runs thanks to QRC's positive possession. Still, Malick's defence held firm for a 0-0 halftime scoreline.The turning point of the match came when Bailey was upended in the penalty area in the 52nd minute, and the lanky forward promptly tucked away the resulting spot-kick.
One foot in the door was all the Morvant-based side needed to get going after a disappointing first half display. Gabriel, easily the best Malick player on the day, kept Joseph on his toes. But the QRC custodian was a livewire between the uprights, and on several occasions, was the only obstacle between the visitors and a larger margin of victory.
Despite scoring the eventual winner, Bailey still looked a shadow of his goalscoring self, botching at least three great chances at point blank range before the final whistle. QRC meanwhile, were kept too busy in defence to be able to pose a serious threat to Bailey in the second period.
The victory keeps Malick just three points adrift of "North" leaders St Anthony's College, who won 3-0 at home to Trinity College to keep their unbeaten streak intact. Better still, it gives enthusiasts a mouth-watering encounter to look forward to when the two top teams clash on Tuesday.
Yesterday's Scores
North Zone[/b]
Malick 1 v QRC 0
Fatima 2 v Diego Martin 0
St Anthony's 3 (Qian Grovesnor [2], Nicholas Hernandez) v Trinity 0
East Zone
El Dorado 0 v Arima 1
St Augustine 1 (Kareem Forde) v San Juan 0
Hillview 3 v Toco 3
South Zone
Vessigny 1 (Keegan Bacchus) v St Benedict's 0
Naparima 6 v Moruga 0
