Caledonia AIA have enlisted themselves into DIRECTV W Connection’s “naughty list”, after holding the “Savonnetta Boys” to a goalless draw on Saturday night at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
The result snapped Connection’s six-match perfect run of form in the 2013-2014 Digicel Pro League championship on the final day before the Christmas break, which runs from December 22 – January 2.
However the Stuart Charles Fevrier coached-Connection – winners of this season’s Digicel Charity Shield, Toyota Classic and the FA Trophy – remains unbeaten after Round One Match Day Eight, and leads the standings with 19 points.
Trailing Connection are Friday night's 1-0 winners over North East Stars, Police FC (13 points) in second, and defending champions Defence Force (12 points), 2-0 winners over San Juan Jabloteh, in third.
Central FC, fresh from Wednesday's 6-5 penalty defeat following a 2-2 draw in the Final of the FA Trophy against Connection, moved up a spot into fourth with 11 points, while Stars (10 points) dropped a further spot over the weekend into fifth.
Central took the lead in as early as the 2nd minute after Jason Marcano slipped a pass inside the right of the area, which was collected by attacker Keon Trim, who finished comfortably past Rangers’ goalkeeper Terrence Lewis for a 1-0 score.
But lost that advantage a minute before the break when Duran Dilworth, from what seemed a clear offside position missed by assistant referee Crystal Sobers, tapped in to beat goalkeeper Jan Michael Williams from close up, levelling the score 1-1.
The resolute Rangers jumped ahead, 2-1 in the 55th minute with Michael Yaw Darko, who made the final touch for the equalising item, hitting an excellent strike off Julani Peters’ cross to beat Williams.
But a foul on Johan Peltier by Rangers’ captain inside the area in the 59th minute gave referee Keilon Bacchus no choice but the point to the spot and Central a great opportunity, which midfielder Marvin Oliver converted past Lewis for a 2-2 score.
Lewis later made a shutout in the 69th minute, denying Jamal Jack who was unleashed inside the area by substitute Darren Mitchell. And in the 82nd minute Lewis’ goal was under threat when Peltier swung an effort just overbar.
Peltier then became provider in the 89th minute when his cross from the left was heading past Lewis by a diving Marcano to grab a 3-2 win in the end.
As for the rest of the standings, Caledonia and Point Fortin Civic, both with 9 points, occupies sixth and seventh positions, followed by Jabloteh (6 points) in eight and Rangers cemented at the bottom with just 3 points.
Friday's Results
Police FC 1 - 0 North East Stars
Todd Ryan 31'
San Juan Jabloteh 0 - 2 Defence Force
Jerwyn Balthazar 44', Ross Russell Jr. 86'
Results
Central FC 3 - 2 St. Ann's Rangers
Keon Trim 2', Marvin Oliver 60'(PEN), Jason Marcano 89' ; Duran Dilworth 44', Michael Yaw Darko 55'
Results
Caledonia AIA 0 - 0 W Connection
Teams
Central FC – 21. Jan Michael Williams, 10. Marvin Oliver, 7. Jason Marcano, 9. Dwight Quintero, 17. Rundell Winchester (11. Darren Mitchell 62nd), 22. Keon Trim (18. Kevon Goddard 58th), 12. Jamal Jack (Yellow Card), 13. Johan Peltier, 15. Kaydion Gabriel, 19. Dwight Pope (23. Hector Sam 79th), 24. Akeem Benjamin
Unused substitutes – 25. Javon Sample (GK), 4. Omarr Charles
St. Ann's Rangers – 25. Terrence Lewis, 7. Clevon Mc Fee (C) (Yellow Card), 4. Jelani Peters (Yellow Card), 5. Duran Dilworth, 9. Conrad Smith, 12. Tevin Gilkes, 14. Michael Yaw Darko (Hakeem Legall 76th), 16. Kennedy Isles, 21. Jair Edwards, 26. Josh Toussaint, 30. Rickyl Morris
Unused substitutes – 1. Akel Clarke (G), 2. Marcus Roberts, 8. Joel Whiteman, 36. Hakeem Legall
Coach – Gilbert Bateau