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Tight start to CNG Super League title race

Petrotrin Palo Seco and Matura Re United both scored victories away from home on Sunday to head the CNG National Super League 2016 Premiership standings.

After just two rounds of the new season, the two are the only unbeaten teams left in the competition, with goal difference only separating leaders Palo Seco from the second-placed easterners.

Meanwhile, after being held to a draw in their opening round fixture, Tobago’s 1976 FC Phoenix moved up to third following the biggest win of the round, and defending champions Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC) continued their slow start with a draw at home to Guaya United.

At the St James Barracks, Shakuile Williams sent Petrotrin Palo Seco ahead against hosts Police after just nine minutes. However, Colin Williams replied for the lawmen 11 minutes later and it remained 1-1 to the interval. It seemed a draw would be the result as both defences held out in the second half, but Police did themselves in with an own goal in stoppage time, giving Petrotrin a 2-1 victory and the top position in the table with a maximum six points.

Meanwhile, at the Maracas Valley Recreation Ground, Matura Re United needed two second-half strikes to come from behind against Real Maracas.

Zavion Navarro-Patron had put the visitors ahead in the 12th minute, but Ryan Stewart hit back for Real Maracas twice in the first half —the second time, on the stroke of half-time—and the hosts had seemed on course for their first points of the season.

However, Brendon Figuera pulled Matura back level in the 71st minute and he completed his own “double” nine minutes later, as Matura Re United also moved to the maximum six points and second place behind Petrotrin.

Tobago 1976 Phoenix ran riot over Siparia Spurs at the Canaan Recreation Ground, slamming the visitors 5-0 to move up to third.

The experienced Dominique Kerr netted a first-half pair and Shelton Williams made the score 3-0 at half-time. David Dominic McDougall and Che Edwards added one each in the second period to complete the rout.

The margin of Phoenix’ victory pushed Sports and Games FC Santa Rosa to fourth, level with the Tobagonians on four points, but behind on goals. Keston Henry and Keron Clarke had Santa Rosa up 2-0 after just 15 minutes in their clash with Bethel United at the Marvin Lee Stadium, before Rohan Sebro pulled one back for Bethel. Rashad Griffith restored the two-goal advantage in the 56th and though Aaron Quashie got another for Bethel, Devon King’s 81st-minute strike completed a 4-2 win for Santa Rosa.

On the Hasely Crawford stadium training field, Guaya United twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Queen’s Park.

Jerome Charles and Kevaughn John got the Parkites’ items in the 37th and 84th minutes; Russell Alfred scored Guaya’s first equaliser in the 38th and Carlon Hughes struck in stoppage time to deny QPCC full points.

At Grand Chemin Recreation Ground, Michael Edwards notched a double and Akil Morris got the other, as visitors Defence Force beat Club Sando Moruga 3-0. WASA FC won by the same score over Marabella Family Crisis Centre, Glen Walker grabbing a hat-trick on the Manny Ramjohn Stadium training ground.