Sidebar

28
Thu, Mar

Typography

Despite the fact that North East Stars need just a point from their final Pro League "Big Six" match against Starworld Strikers at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium this afternoon to assure themselves of the title, second-placed Vibe CT 105 W Connection are still out to dash their celebrations.

Connection are the only team with a mathematical chance of upsetting the League leaders from collecting their first Pro League title, being three points adrift on 51, with their last match being played simultaneously against defending champions CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Even if "Stars" fail to pick up a point against a fighting Strikers outfit, Connection would still need to overcome their superior four-goal differential to add to their silverware this year.

Even so, the 2004 Pro Bowl and FCB Cup champions are still taking aim at the Pro League treble.

Citing that "football is a funny game", Connection owner David John-Williams is not ready to concede just yet, adding that "the race is far from over", and that his team would be going all out for a big win over the 2003 League champs.

"We have to win by a large margin," John-Williams said, "and North East (Stars) have to lose (to be overtaken), so we are going all out for a victory. They must draw or win to assure themselves of the title. Simply put, we have to win at all costs."

On the other hand, Stars can ill-afford to take today's opponents lightly, especially as they are playing away from home.

Earlier in the season Strikers shocked them 4-1 at the same ground to take third place in the FCB Cup, a fact they would be fully aware of.

Jabloteh should be a tough assignment for Connection as well today, making for an intriguing end to the 2004 Pro League campaign.

Today's Pro League "Big 6" matches:

North East Stars vs Starworld Strikers-Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella

Vibe CT 105 W Connection vs CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh-Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo

Defence Force vs Arima-Morvant Fire-Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar

All games kick off at 5 p.m.