Naps join Vessigny at top in South.
By: Mervyn Stewart (Express).
Defending zonal champions Naparima College scored two goals in three minutes to shut out Moruga Composite as action in the South Zone of the Secondary Schools Football League continued at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella yesterday.
After a dull first half, with only "Naps" striker Nigel Wright's bullet which was blocked by goalkeeper Kempton Duval as a clear-cut chance, the teams went in still level.
But 12 minutes after the resumption, Naps, who continued to pressure their opponents, were finally rewarded when Javed Mohammed's low left-footed free-kick taken from the top of the 18-metre box, right side, beat keeper Duval. This was after striker Sheldon Winchester had been brought down.
Three minutes later, Wright put the game out of Moruga's reach when he volleyed home following a left-side cross from striker Adisa Connell.
However, Moruga did not give up and in the 76th minute, Javon Forde, with only keeper Leston Shade to beat, kicked overbars, much to the disgust of the large band of Moruga supporters. With this victory, Naparima joined Vessigny Secondary at the top of the zone with four points from two games.
For down at Mahaica Oval in Point Fortin, Vessigny gained another point when they held St Benedict's College to a goalless draw. This follows Vessigny's opening day win over Fyzabad Composite. Down at Fyzabad Recreation ground, hosts Fyzabad battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw with Mayaro Composite.
Games in the South Zone continue tomorrow, with unbeaten Princes Town coming up against Naparima in Princes Town, while St Benedict's will meet Moruga at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium. In the other game, Mayaro host Vessigny.
Fatima beats champs Mucurapo.
By Kwame Williams (Guardian).
Goals from Sheldon Bateau and Marvin James helped Fatima College come from behind to beat reigning North Zone champions Mucurapo Senior Comprehensive 2-1 yesterday, at Fatima College Grounds, Mucurapo.
Full of confidence after recording wins in their opening fixtures, which saw Fatima comprehensively whipping Tranquility 6-0 on Saturday and Mucurapo emerging 3-1 winners over St Anthony’s last Thursday, the teams tried to seize control of the match from the kick-off.
Mucurapo, however, had a little more purpose in attack and forwards Atullah Guerra and Kevon Piper got into good goal-scoring positions, but despite good team play, “Compre” found it difficult to hit the target.
Instead, it was a brilliant piece of individual skill from Guerra in the 36th minute that gave the zonal kings the lead. From a throw on the right side, Guerra, unseen by the Fatima defence, controlled the ball nicely on his chest, turned and unleashed a right foot volley past Fatima goalie, Adrian Foncette.
The lanky striker came close to doubling his score five minutes later after some excellent one-two play with Piper put him through on goal, but with Foncette alone to beat he dragged his shot wide of the mark.
From the restart, it was evident that Fatima was not willing to go down without a fight. Looking to get the equalising goal, they started to pin “Compre” in its half of the field, with left and right wingers Elijah Belgrave and Zeron Forte putting in some teasing crosses,but the Fatima frontmen could not their heads to the ball.
Mucurapo eventually settled down and almost got its second item through the classy Guerra in the 65th, but after dribbling his marker in the box he was again guilty of some poor finishing, shooting into the side-netting with the goal at his mercy.
Fatima drew level in the 73rd when Denzil Cazabon, in goal for Mucurapo, misjudged the flight of a right side cross from Sheldon Bateau, allowing it to bounce into his net.
They got the winner five minutes later, when defender Marvin James banged in a corner kick that “Compre” failed to clear out of the box. Mucurapo pressed for the equaliser but none came. Fatima now has six points from two matches and top the table going into the match at home to St Mary’s tomorrow.
Secondary Schools Football - Yesterday’s results.
North Zone
Mucurapo 1 (A Guerra) vs Fatima 2 (S Bateau, M James)
St Anthony’s 1 (M Lewis) vs Malick 1 (K Rush)
St Mary’s 4 vs Tranquillity 0
South Zone
Naparima 2 vs Moruga 0
Vessigny 0 vs St Benedict’s 0
Fixtures - Tobago Zone at Dwight Yorke Stadium.
Roxborough vs Elizabeth, 3 pm
Signal Hill vs Scarborough, 5 pm
