Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum
Sports => Football => Topic started by: Flex on July 10, 2019, 12:38:15 AM
-
Connection, Stars, Central opt out Ascension League
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).
Top T&T Pro League contenders W Connection, North East Stars, Central FC and Point Fortin Civic will not take part in this year’s inaugural Ascension Football League, which is being sponsored by a foreign company that supplies sports clothing, gear and other equipment.
The league is set to kick off this weekend (July 12) and will feature six pro league teams, namely San Juan Jabloteh, Morvant Caledonia United, Club Sando, Police FC, Defence Force and La Horquetta Rangers. They will be joined by six other teams from the T&T Super League to complete the list of 12 competitors for Division One of the tournament.
FC Santa Rosa, the 2018 Super League’s winner, Queen’s Park Cricket Club (QPCC), Prisons Service FC, Cunupia FC, Guaya United and Matura Re-United have been elevated to contest Division One.
Contacted yesterday, Connection Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Renee John-Williams said her coaches believe the pre-season tournament will not give them the type of preparation they require ahead of the much-fancied T-League, which, because of the involvement of UEFA and FIFA, will replace the T&T Pro League as the country’s tier 1 competition.
“Both Stuart-Charles Fevrier and Earl Jean made that decision and I am very confident in my technical team,” John-Williams said.
She noted the coaches may also not want to risk injuries in the tournament, so they prefer to prepare the players in another manner.
W Connection has been the country’s most successful football club, copping half a dozen league titles, along with four FA Cups, six First Citizens Cups, three CFU Club Championships and trophies in the Digicel Shield and Toyota Classic, among others.
John-Williams said her club officially began training recently, a month or so before the unofficial start of the T-League in September. It has been rumoured that the southern club could not put together a team due to financial reasons. Guardian Media Sports learnt that many of Connection’s players have sought greener pastures at La Horquetta Rangers, the team that acquired St Ann’s Rangers back in 2018.
John-Williams also explained her team will, this year, focus on player development.
The Ascension League will provide teams with the opportunity to cash in on a handsome first prize of $250,000, plus an appearance fee of $2,000 for each match, to be paid at the end of every month. The runner-up will receive $125,000 and there will also be prizes for the top four teams. Teams participating in the league will not be required to pay a registration fee, organizers said yesterday.
Yesterday, North East Stars Business Development Director Michael Awai said his team refused to play in the tournament because there is no security for his players.
“There are no contracts for players and they are unaware of the entity that will be running the tournament. If our players are injured, then what happens next?” Awai asked.
Meanwhile, Garthorne Craig, chairman of Point Fortin Civic, said his team missed the tournament’s registration deadline date and so they will not be playing.
Division Two of the tournament will also comprise 12 teams from the Super League. Like the Division One, it will feature a handsome prize structure along with an appearance fee of $1,000 per club for each match to be paid at the end of the month.
The league is set to be launched today at a press conference at the Hotel Normandie in St Ann’s.
-
$2.3M Ascension League to fix football.
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).
A whopping $2.3 million have been put out on the Ascension Football League, to ensure football in T&T gets back on track, courtesy an unknown United States clothing company that is desirous of entering the Caribbean market.
The League is set to kick off on Friday with two matches, one at the Arima Velodrome between home team FC Santa Rosa and Queen's Park CC from 8 pm, and another at the Guayaguayare Recreation Ground between Guaya United and Police FC from 6 pm.
At a launch at Galery 1 of the Hotel Normandie in St Ann's yesterday, chief organiser Richard Piper said Ascension's input has been grand, and it ranges from prize monies to payments for promotion and television coverage, to insurance for players, and payment of all officials.
As reported in the Guardian yesterday, the League will be played in two divisions, each comprising 12 teams. Division I will feature Guaya United, Police FC, FC Santa Rosa, Queen's Park, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, San Juan Jabloteh, Morvant Caledonia United, Prison Service FC, Matura Re-United, Club Sando, Cunupia FC and Defence Force, all battling for a winner's cheque of $250,000, as well as $125,000 and $75,000 for second and third, respectively.
Division II comprises Harlem Strikers, UTT, Moruga FC, Police FC, Petit Valley/Diego Martin United, Marabella Family Crisis Centre, RSSR FC, Bethel United, Club Sando Uprising Youths, San Fernando Giants, Erin FC and Deportivo PF, is a combined team from the Point Fortin football competition held earlier this year. They will be competing for $100,000, $65,000 and $35,000 as the top three prizes.
Harford said as organisers they have taken out an insurance policy which will cover players for injuries and death in the sum of $5,000 (injury) and $10,000 (death) to go to next of kin. The policy will also cover team officials.
He also lashed out at North East Stars Business Development Director Michael Awai for claims there is no security for players, saying it is standard procedure in football that the home team is responsible for security.
The league is set to be a one-round competition but could go for two rounds if monies promised to clubs by the government for the coming T-League later this year, does not come.
"The Ascension League has its birth through this desperate need as you are aware, the promised funding from the government has not yet materialised to afford the start of the TT Pro League season, and the expected funds from the FIFA, has also not yet materialised, so we have reached out to the Ascension people and they have accepted," Harford said.
Richard Piper, the tournament director said, "The tournament will mirror the operations of the T-League when it gets started. As part of the sanction of the TTFA we had to have an indemnity clause that says they are not going to be responsible for anything pertaining to this tournament, and we gave them the assurance that this will not happen."
According to Piper, another innovative aspect of the tournament is that there is no registration fee. Teams will also receive appearance fees of $2,000 for Division I and $1,000 for Division II for each match, and Flow will provide television coverage of matches which will be aired as a package on any given day in the week.
Meanwhile, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, which has spent in excess of $5 million to upgrade its facility at Phase Two La Horquetta, has requested that its matches played there.
RELATED NEWS
$2.3m for football tournament.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
BOOTS of local footballers will no longer be collecting dust as $2.3 million will be pumped into the Ascension Invitational Tournament that will kick off tomorrow featuring 24 teams.
Pro League and Super League teams will be involved in the league with 12 teams playing in division one along with the same number of teams in division two. The announcement was made at The Hotel Normandie in St Ann’s, yesterday. No football has been held locally since December 2018.
Ascension is a group of business people using the league as a test for a new line of sporting apparel, which will be introduced to T&T and the Caribbean later this year.
The tournament will be played in a round robin format from tomorrow until September 21.
Two matches will be held tomorrow in division one with Guaya Utd playing Police FC, at Guaya Recreation Ground, from 4 pm and FC Santa Rosa FC battling QPCC, at Arima Velodrome, from 8 pm.
The division one winners will walk away with $250,000, second place will get $125,000 and the third place finishers will cop $75,000. In division two, the champions will be $100,000 richer, the runner up will earn $65,000 and the third place finishers will get $35,000. An appearance fee of $2,000 would be given to each team for each game that they play in division one and $1,000 in division two.
The teams competing in division one will be Guaya United FC, Police FC, FC Santa Rosa, QPCC, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers FC, San Juan Jabloteh, Caledonia AIA, Prison Service FC, Matura Reunited FC, Club Sando FC, Cunupia FC and Defence Force FC.
Lining up in division two will be Deportivo PF, Harlem Strikers, UTT, Moruga FC, Police FC, Petit Valley/Diego Martin Utd, Marabella Family Crisis Centre, RSSR FC, Bethel Utd, Club Sando Uprising Youths, San Fernando Giants and Erin FC.
W Connection, Central FC and North East Stars are the notable clubs that are not competing in the league.
A 30-minute television programme will be produced which delivers highlights of the tournament every week that will be aired on Flow and as such the tournament would be used to expose T&T football internationally.
The tournament director is Richard Piper and marketing director of All Sports Promotions Anthony Harford, said his company has helped with registration and other administrative matters in the league.
The tournament is sanctioned by the TT Football Association.
Ascension Invitational Tournament
Division One - Round One fixtures
(Fri 12 Jul)
Guaya Utd v Police FC, 6pm, Guaya Recreation Ground;
FC Santa Rosa v QPCC, 8pm, Arima Velodrome;
(Sat 13 Jul)
Morvant Caledonia Utd v Prison Services, 6pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium training ground;
Matura Re-United v Club Sando, 4pm, Matura Recreation Ground;
(Sun 14 Jul)
Cunupia FC v Defence Force FC, 3.30pm, Larry Gomes Stadium.
Videos
Wired868TV: Play Ascension football tournament (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=24&v=1NzUgN1dq7g)
SPORT: Ascension Football League Kicks Off On Friday (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLJl2BUTS60)
-
How could a company that is desirous of entering a market be positioned as "unknown"? Really?
-
How could a company that is desirous of entering a market be positioned as "unknown"? Really?
:rotfl:
Only in T&T... maybe Jack Warner sponsored it.....
-
How could a company that is desirous of entering a market be positioned as "unknown"? Really?
:rotfl:
Only in T&T... maybe Jack Warner sponsored it.....
When time to pay the bills, everybody will be hoping some unknown entity steps-up.. that is transparency in action, so transparent, almost invisible.. ;) laawwd
-
How could a company that is desirous of entering a market be positioned as "unknown"? Really?
:rotfl:
Only in T&T... maybe Jack Warner sponsored it.....
When time to pay the bills, everybody will be hoping some unknown entity steps-up.. that is transparency in action, so transparent, almost invisible.. ;) laawwd
:rotfl:
-
Cunupia coach welcomes new competition.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
MICHAEL DE Four, coach of Cunupia FC, is welcoming the Ascension Invitational Tournament, featuring 24 local club teams in two Divisions (with 12 teams each).
The tournament will kick off today and run until September 21, with each division playing six games a week.
AscensionBrand, the title sponsors, have injected approximately $2.3 million towards this 11-week event.
AscensionBrand, according to their website, is a motivational clothing brand created in the city of Baltimore, Maryland by entrepreneur Benjamin Parks. And this tournament is being used to launch the brand, which will be promoted, not only in TT but the rest of the Caribbean. Cunupia FC, who will compete in Division One, will face Defence Force at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima on Sunday, from 3.30 pm. De Four was asked yesterday how it feels for the team to get back on the field of play, after winning the 2018 Super League’s League Cup.
“(It is) greatly appreciated by the administrators of (Cunupia’s) board that we could get back on track,” De Four responded. De Four said his team has been ready to compete since June, in either the T League (which is yet to be confirmed) or the Super League.
“We were prepared to play in the Super League on the opening, on or around the middle of June,” De Four said. “We were preparing for the Super League which always starts on time, since we’ve been in the League, over the last three years. Our preparations were on time. We were just delayed and given a little more time to prepare.”
Cunupia FC will have a new-look team this year with a number of young players on their roster, as well as the experienced crop of ace striker Kevon “Showtime” Woodley, Michael Yaw Darko, Hakeem Legall, Stephen Julien and the Meloney brothers Gerald and Kristian. De Four said, “Every year we continue to evolve and look for new players. It hasn’t changed. We have a bunch of new players coming up, wanting to make the cut. Since this is a pre-season tournament, we’ll see how they stand up.”
Weekend’s Fixtures - (Match Day One)
Division One –
Today:
Guaya United vs Police, Guaya Recreation Ground, 6 pm; FC Santa Rosa vs Queen’s Park, Arima Velodrome, 8 pm.
Tomorrow: Matura ReUnited vs Club Sando, Matura Recreation Ground, 4 pm; Caledonia AIA vs Prison Service FC, Hasely Crawford Stadium Training Field, 6 pm.
Sunday:
Cunupia FC vs Defence Force, Larry Gomes Stadium, 3.30 pm.
Division Two –
Tomorrow:
Police FC vs Petit Valley/Diego Martin United, Police Academy, St James, 5 pm; UTT vs Moruga FC, UTT O’Meara, Arima, 6 pm; Deportivo Point Fortin vs Harlem Strikers, Mahaica Oval, 7 pm.
Sunday:
Marabella Family Crisis Centre vs RSSR FC, Manny Ramjohn Stadium Training Field; San Fernando Giants vs Erin FC, Union Hall, Marabella, 4 pm; Bethel United vs Club Sando Uprising Youths, Mt Gomery Recreation Ground, 6 pm.
-
Guaya Utd wins Ascension opener.
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).
Guaya United FC got its first three points in the new Ascension Invitational Football League at the Guayaguayare Recreation Ground on Friday, but T&T Super League campaigners FC Santa Rosa and Queen’s Park CC both shared the points in a goalless stalemate at the Arima Velodrome.
The ‘Green Army’, as Guaya are affectionately known, edged Police FC 2-1 courtesy a goal on each side of the half by Keston Frontin in the 10th minute and Shaquille Ferrier in the 65th.
Frontin drew first blood with his item, benefitting from a neatly delivered right side cross on the doorstep that gave him the simple task of tapping in from the goal line. But Christian Thomas levelled the scores with a 21st-minute goal that returned their focus on the $250,000 winner’s cheque dangling in front of their eyes.
However, Ferrier, a survivor of Guaya’s winning Super League team back in 2017, spoiled their party. The speedy winger appeared to have lost out when another right-side cross, directed to him, was intercepted by a towering Police defence. Ferrier though was quick to rob the defence of the loose ball and with the goal well in his sight, he fired powerfully past the Police goalkeeper for a winner for the Travis Mulraine-coach team.
At the Arima Velodrome, national coach Dennis Lawrence took a front-seat view for the encounter and he was almost lifted off his seat when Santa Rosa’s early dominance culminated with a nicely floated left-side cross to an unmarked Rashad Griffith in the area. However, Griffith, one of the team’s leading scorers in the past few years, put his header wide of the target.
Griffith was again the point-man for another juicy chance for his team in a half that was largely dominated by the Santa Rosa’s Big Cannons, although the Parkites did make their way into the defensive area but cause little real danger.
In the 37th minute, Kheelon Mitchell released himself from a tight-marking Dion Lewis on the right flank and centred for Griffith, who, for a second time, failed to direct his header on target before the half-time interval.
After the resumption, the Parkites created more opportunities but could not beat Jesse Peters in the Santa Rosa goal.
Ricardo John also shot wide of the goal when he found himself free in the area in the 49th minute. And against the run of play a minute later, Juaval Roberts stormed down the right flank and centred for Emmanuel Bunting to turn nicely inside the box. But with the goal at his mercy, he fired wide of the far post with the Santa Rosa custodian in no man’s land.
The Big Cannons turned to John-Paul Rochford to save their fortunes but they were first reduced to 10 men before he could have any say in the match. The Parkites’ Lewis, sent freely on his way to goal, was hacked down by Alfie James in the 71st minute and he was given marching orders by the referee. But the resulting free-kick was squandered.
Four minutes from the end, however, Santa Rosa was given a penalty when Rochford was again brought down inside the area when put through by Kevon Cornwall. But the little midfielder picked himself up and drove his attempt from the spot straight to the Parkites goalie for a share of the points.
-
Any homies went to any of these games
-
Jorsling, Mc Intyre give Army winning start.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
Former national striker, Devorn Jorsling and Jerome Mc Intyre were both on target to lead Defence Force to a 2-0 defeat of Cunupia FC in their opening match of the $2.3 million Ascension Invitational Football League Division One on Sunday.
Jorsling, the all-time leading scorer of the now-defunct T&T Pro League with more than 150 goals to his name, opened the scoring in the 31st minute for a 1-0 half-time advantage at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, before Mc Intyre sealed all three points for the visitors in the 73rd.
With the win, Defence Force joined Guaya United, Morvant Caledonia AIA United and Club Sando FC at the top of the table with three points each.
In Division Two, RSSR FC trounced hosts Marabella Family Crisis centre 3-0 at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Training Field, Marabella on Sunday led by a first-half brace from Jovon Vincent.
Vincent fired in the go-ahead item as early as the third minute and got his second in the 38th after former national youth player Micah Lansiquot made it 2-0 in the 30th.
There were two other Division Two matches, with Bethel United being held to a 2-2 draw by visiting Club Sando Uprising at Mt Gomery Recreation Ground, while San Fernando Giants and Erin FC drew goalless at Union Hall Ground, Marabella. Matches will be resume on Friday.
RESULTS
Division One
From Friday
Guaya United 2 (Keston Frontin 10th, Shaquelle Ferrier 65th) vs Police FC 1 (Christian Thomas 21st)
FC Santa Rosa 0 vs QPCC 0
From Saturday
Morvant Caledonia AIA 4 (Renaldo Francois 10th, 40th, Shem Clazel 34th, Johnny Britto 65th) vs Prison Service 2 (Akeem Biddy-Bailey 57th, Ricardo Alleyne 88th)
Club Sando 6 (Trevin Caesar 37th, 49th, 74th, Keron Cornwall 50th, Akinola Gregory 65th, Neon Lammy 71st) vs Matura ReUnited FC 0
From Sunday
Defence Force 2 (Devorn Jorsling 31st, Jerome Mc Intyre 73rd) vs Cunupia FC 0
Division Two
From Saturday
Deportivo P.F 7 (Marcus Joseph 4th, 38th, 41st, Hughtun Hector 18th, Andrei Pacheco 48th, Kevin Moodie 88th, 93rd) vs Harlem Strikers 0
UTT 4 (Theon James 16th, Dillon Bartholomew 83rd, 87th, Kishun Seecharan 85th) vs Moruga FC 2 (Nigel John 39th, Aaron Rodney 71st)
Police FC 2 (Donavon Derrick 40th, Jamal Burke 42nd) vs Petit Valley/Diego Martin United 1 (Akeil Thomas 53rd)
From Sunday
RSSR FC 3 (Jovon Vincet 3rd, 38th, Micah Lansiquot 30th) vs Marabella Family Crisis Centre 0
Bethel United 2 (Shaquille Cox 49th, Kerri Mc Donald 53rd) vs Club Sando Uprising Youths 2 (Kyle Celestine 38th, Jabari Mitchell 42nd)
San Fernando Giants 0 vs Erin FC 0
Upcoming matches
Division One
On Friday
FC Santa Rosa vs Cunupia FC, Arima Municipal Stadium, Arima, 8pm
On Saturday
Defence Force vs Prison Service FC, Defence Force Headquarters, Chaguaramas, 3.30pm
Morvant Caledonia AIA vs Club Sando FC, Venue TBC
Matura ReUnited vs Guaya United, Matura Rec. Grd, 4pm
On Sunday
San Juan Jabloteh vs Police FC, San Juan North Secondary, Bourg Mulatresse, San Juan, 4pm.
Division Two
On Saturday
Moruga FC vs Bethel United, Grand Chemin Rce. Grd, Moruga, 4pm
Club Sando Uprising Youths vs RSSR FC, Guapo Rec. Grd, 6.30pm
On Sunday
Harlem Strikers vs Erin FC, Frederick Settlemen Grd, Caroni, 5.30pm
Marabella Family C.Ce vs Deportivo P.F, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Training Field, Marabella, 4pm
San Fernando Giants vs Police FC, Union Hall Ground, Marabella, 4pm
Petit Valley/Diego Martin United vs UTT, St Anthony's College Grd, Westmoorings, 4pm
RELATED NEWS
Jorsling, McIntyre goals give Defence Force winning start
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
DEFENCE FORCE made a winning start to the 2019 Ascension Invitational Tournament, on Sunday, with a 2-0 win over Cunupia FC, in a Division One fixture, at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima.
Evergreen striker Devorn Jorsling and Jerome McIntyre scored in either half as the Army-Coast Guard combination thwarted the challenge of their combative opponents.
Jorsling, who looked heavier than he has been throughout his distinguished local playing career, showed that he has lost little of his scoring touch when he found the back of the net in the 31st minute.
Winger Jelani Felix made a run down the left and sent a low cross which was missed by captain Jerwyn Balthazar. But Jorsling was on hand to slot home the loose ball, from a few metres out.
Six minutes later, Cunupia had a good chance to equalise, as Hakeem Legall intercepted a poor pass from Jules Lee and his shot went wide of the mark. Jorsling could have doubled his account in the 59th, with a trademark left-footed freekick which crashed off the crossbar with goalkeeper Cleon John beaten.
Right-back McIntyre, who required medical attention after a pair of head injuries, redeemed himself to net Defence Force’s second goal, in the 73rd.
Felix sent in a corner from the right which was headed onto the crossbar by Balthazar, but McIntyre headed the rebound into the open net.Defence Force’s goalie Aaron Enill produced a pair of saves to deny skipper Kevon “Showtime” Woodley and Mikheil Peters, following a Legall freekick, in the 75th.
And Enill came up trumps again, in the 81st, as he dived to his right to save a penalty from Woodley, after the TT Beach Soccer striker was bundled over in the box by defender Justin Garcia. This game was one of four which took place on Sunday.
The match between Erin FC and the San Fernando Giants ended in a goalless draw at the Union Hall Ground in Marabella.
Match three was one crisis that Marabella Family Crisis Centre couldn’t prevent, losing 3-0 to RSSR FC. Jovon Vincent was just one short of his hat-trick, with teammate Micah Lansiquot netting the third.
The final match ended in a 2-2 draw between Bethel United and Club Sando Uprising Youths. Kyle Celestine and Jabari Mitchell secured goals for Uprising, and Shaquille Cox and Kerri Mc Donald for United.
Five matches were held on Saturday. Playing in Division One were Caledonia AIA who secured a 4-2 win over Prison Service FC at the YTC grounds in Arouca. Caledonia got two goals from Renaldo Francois, and teammates Shem Clauzel and Johnny Brito scoring one each.
The evening ended in disappointment for Matura Re-United who failed to find the back of the net on their home ground as Club Sando earned a lopsided 6-0 victory. National forward Trevin Caesar, who played for Kosovan club SC Gjilani last season, scored a hat-trick while Keron Cornwall, Akinola Gregory, Neon Lammy also added their name to the scoresheet at the Matura Recreational Ground.
Police FC (Super League) faced Petit Valley/Diego Martin United at Police Academy, St James, and prevailed 2-1 with first half goals from Donavon Derrick and Jamal Burke. United tried to make a comeback as Akeil Thomas copped a goal in the 53rd minute but Police held firm till the final whistle.
Meanwhile, at the UTT grounds in O’Meara, Arima, UTT defeated Moruga FC 4-2. UTT’s Theon James started it off with a goal in the 16th minute. Nigel John and Aaron Rodney netted for Moruga FC in the second half but UTT responded with a second from James and strikes from Dillon Bartholomew and Kishun Seecharan.
Deportivo Point Fortin (PF) crushed Harlem Strikers 7-0 at the Mahaica Oval in Point Fortin, with a treble from TT forward Marcus “Lobo” Joseph, two from Kevon Moodie and one apiece from Hughtun Hector and Andrei Pacheco.
On Friday, Guaya United edged Police (Pro League) 2-1 at the Guayaguayare Recreation Ground while FC Santa Rosa were held to a goalless draw by Queen’s Park at the Arima Velodrome. The tournament will continue this weekend.
Deportivo PF demolish Harlem Strikers 7-0
By Narissa Fraser (Newsday).
CARONI’S Harlem Strikers suffered a humiliating 7-0 defeat against Deportivo Point Fortin (PF),on Saturday evening, at the Mahaica Oval, in Point Fortin.
Both teams are in division two of the 2019 Ascension Invitational tournament, which began on Friday.
Deportivo PF wasted no time as forward Marcus “Lobo” Joseph, who now plays for Indian club Gokulam Kerala FC, secured a goal in the 4th minute. Captain Hughton Hector also added his name to the scoresheet soon after in the 11th minute.
The Strikers defenders continued to struggle with clearing the ball as Joseph cruised past them to secure a hat trick in the first half with goals in the 38th and 41st minutes and Andrei Pacheco netting another just after.
Strikers fans were visibly frustrated as they looked on during the second half, hoping their team could secure a goal before the final minute. But Deportivo PF continued their streak with two strikes from Rehad Moodie, with the match ending in disappointment for the Strikers.
Speaking with Newsday, goal scorer Marcus Joseph said he believes the downfall of the Strikers was that they did not play as a unit, adding that he was elated to secure a hat trick for his team.
“The game was a pretty good game, it was very nice for our first game. It’s always great to get goals and we played as a team,” Joseph said.
Strikers captain Ita Charles, who was unable to play due to injury, told Newsday, “We could have improvised to the situation because everything was against us. The other team was better, they came out firing, close to the ball. What we need to do is regroup and move forward.”
-
St Hillaire fires Jabloteh past Police.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
National striker Kathon St Hillaire scored a goal in each half to fire San Juan Jabloteh to a comfortable 3-1 defeat of Police FC when matches in Division One of the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament continued on Sunday.
St Hillaire opened the scoring as early as the fourth minute at the San Juan North Secondary School Ground, Bourg Mulatresse, San Juan which his team took into the half-time interval.
Keshawn Hamilton made it 2-0 to Jabloteh in the 62nd minute, but five minutes later, Kareem Freitas pulled a goal back for the Lawmen to set up an interesting final 23 minutes.
However, any hopes of Police stealing a point were dashed in the 83rd when St Hillaire notched his second of the match to seal all three points for Jabloteh, their first in their opening match of the pre-season competition and level with Club Sando FC and Cunupia FC.
At the top of the table though, are the trio of Defence Force, Morvant Caledonia AIA United and Guaya United, all with six points each.
This after Morvant Caledonia edged Club Sando FC on a 69th-minute strike from Johnny Noreiga-Britto at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella while Guaya United also won by a similar margin at host Matura ReUnited on Saturday and Defence Force blanked Prison Service 3-0 led by a Reon More double.
Adan Noel and former national midfielder Andrei Pacheco scored two goals each to lead free-scoring Deportivo P.F to another emphatic win, this time 6-0 over Marabella Family Crisis Centre in Division Two at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Training Field on Sunday.
Noel got his goals in the ninth and 90th, the latter a penalty while Pacheco was on target in the 39th and 45th minute for a 3-0 half-time lead.
Ackeel Jacob and Jeremy Primus added second-half items in the 65th and 86th minutes for Deportivo P.F, which was coming off a 7-0 beating of Harlem Strikers.
Joing Deportivo at the top with six points was RSSR FC after its 1-0 victory against Club Sando Uprising Youths at Guapo Recreation Ground, Guapo on Saturday night courtesy Jovon Vincent.
In other Division Two matches, Petit Valley/Diego Martin squandered a 2-0 lead at the Diego Martin Stadium in a 2-all draw with University of T&T, San Fernando Giants trampled Police FC (Super League) 4-0 with Kerville Jeremiah scoring a late brace while Harlem Strikers got a winner in the ninth minute of time added in a 3-2 victory over Erin FC at Frederick Settlement, Caroni.
Results
Division One:
Friday:
Cunupia FC 5 (Kevon Woodley 29th, 56th, Michael Darko 51st, 77th, Mikheil Peters 54th) vs FC Santa Rosa 2 (John-Paul Rochford 64th, 97th)
Saturday:
Defence Force 3 (Reon Moore 17th, 66th, Devorn Jorsling 38th) vs Prison Service FC 0
Guaya United 1 (Kerwyn Navarro 3rd) vs Matura ReUnited 0
Sunday:
Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Johnny Noreiga-Britto - 69th) vs Club Sando FC 0
San Juan Jabloteh 3 (Kathon St Hillaire 4th, 83rd, Keshawn Hamilton 62nd) vs Police FC 1 (Kareem Freitas 67th)
Division Two:
Saturday:
Moruga FC 0 vs Bethel United 0
RSSR FC 1 (Jovon Vincent 18th) vs Club Sando Uprising Youths 0
Sunday:
Harlem Strikers 3 (Dez Jones o.g 29th, Keron Fox 44th, David Maloney 99th) vs Erin FC 2 (Aaron Ambrose o.g 18th, Israel Williams 37th)
Deportivo P.F 6 (Adan Noel 9th, 90th pen, Andrei Pacheco 39th, 45th, Ackeel Jacob 65th, Jeremy Primus 86th) vs Marabella Family Crisis Centre 0
San Fernando Giants 4 (Kori Cupid 52nd, Kurlan Khan 64th, Kerville Jeremiah 81st, 84th) vs Police FC 0
Petit Valley/Diego Martin 2 (Kazim Donald 42nd, 63rd) vs UTT 2 (Kishun Seecharan 80th, 92nd)
Current Standings:
Division One:
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. Defence Force*2*2*0*0*5*0*6
2. Morvant Caledonia*2*2*0*0*5*2*6
3. Guaya United*2*2*0*0*3*1*6
4. Club Sando FC*2*1*0*1*6*1*3
5. Jabloteh*1*1*0*0*3*1*3
6. Cunupia FC*2*1*0*1*5*4*3
7. QPCC*1*0*1*0*0*0*1
8. Santa Rosa*2*0*1*1*2*5*1
9. Terminix Rangers*0*0*0*0*0*0*0
10. Police FC*2*0*0*2*2*5*0
11. Prison FC*2*0*0*2*2*7*0
12. Matura ReUnited*2*0*0*2*0*7*0
Division Two:
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. Deportivo P.F*2*2*0*0*13*0*6
2. RSSR FC*2*2*0*0*4*0*6
3. San F'do Giants*2*1*1*0*4*0*4
4. UTT*2*1*1*0*6*4*4
5. Police FC*2*1*0*1*2*5*3
6. Harlem Strikers*2*1*0*1*3*9*3
7. Bethel United*2*0*2*0*2*2*2
8. P.V/D.M*2*0*1*1*3*4*1
9. Erin FC*2*0*1*1*2*3*1
10. Club Sando Uprising*2*0*1*1*2*3*1
11. Moruga FC*2*0*1*1*2*4*1
12. Marabella Family CC*2*0*0*2*0*9*0
-
So is this a new tiered league or a tournament?
-
So is this a new tiered league or a tournament?
pre-season tournament.
-
Rd 2: Play Ascension Football 30 min show (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB-Nk1YzYI4)
-
Rd 2: Play Ascension Football 30 min show (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vB-Nk1YzYI4)
The game in the velodrome brought back fun memories for. had a couple of good games there. Football Jumbies of TT, please keep on supporting the game. Both Men and Women!!
-
Those 2 goals by Rochford were absolutely fantastic!
-
Those 2 goals by Rochford were absolutely fantastic!
Yes, but why is he in T&T playing in this tournament?!
-
Those 2 goals by Rochford were absolutely fantastic!
Yes, but why is he in T&T playing in this tournament?!
What other option is there for him?
-
Those 2 goals by Rochford were absolutely fantastic!
Yes, but why is he in T&T playing in this tournament?!
Well at least he just get call up for national team training.
-
Those 2 goals by Rochford were absolutely fantastic!
Yes, but why is he in T&T playing in this tournament?!
What other option is there for him?
Made an impression and making strides. (http://port.ussoccerda.com/sam/teams/index.php?team=7700296)
-
Those 2 goals by Rochford were absolutely fantastic!
Yes, but why is he in T&T playing in this tournament?!
Well at least he just get call up for national team training.
:applause:
-
Army guns down Guaya for lead
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).
Defence Force got a goal on both sides of the half from Devorn Jorsling and Jelani Felix to propel them to the top of the Division 1 standings in the Ascension Invitational Football League on Sunday.
At the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, Arima, the Army Coast-Guard combination unit found themselves in a battle for the top position against a plucky team that quickly earned the name Green Army following their achievements in the T&T Super League.
However, the Defence Force drew first blood when instrumental striker Jorsling found the net a minute before the half-time interval.
And despite ongoing efforts for an equaliser by the Guayaguayare men, it was the Defence Force who sealed the win in the 81st minute through Felix.
The result assured them an unblemished record after three matches, sitting on nine points.
Morvant Caledonia United are also unbeaten in the tournament, a record that was confirmed by a 2-1 win away to San Juan Jabloteh at the San Juan Secondary North Grounds on Sunday.
Johnny Noreiga-Britto and Quincy Ballah pushed the Morvant-based team comfortably in front 2-0 after goals in 35th and 55th minutes respectively. And they secured the win at the end, despite the 81st-minute strike by Shaquille John.
In other games, Matura Re-United were held to a 2-2 tie by Queen's Park CC and FC Santa Rosa received their first win of the League by virtue of edging Prison Service 2-1.
In another game, Cunupia FC shut-out Club Sando 2-0.
In Division Two, sixth-placed Bethel United FC got a goal each from Makan Hislop 58th and Shaquille Cox 85th to turn back Marabella Family Crisis Centre 2-1.
RESULTS
Defence Force FC 2 (Devorn Jorsling 44th, Jelani Felix 81st) v Guaya United FC 0
Morvant Caledonia AIA 2 (Johnny Noreiga-Brito 35th, Quincy Ballah 55th) v San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Shaquille John 89th)
QPCC 2 (Ricardo John 1st & 3rd) v Matura ReUnited FC 2 (Carlon Hughes 23rd, Maurice Dick 42nd)
Cunupia FC 2 (Kevon Woodley 13th & 23rd) v Club Sando FC 0
FC Santa Rosa 2 (John-Paul Rochford 84th, Noel Williams 88th) v Prison Service FC 1 (Nathan Julien 52nd)
RESULTS DIV 2
Bethel United FC 2 (Makan Hislop 58th, Shaquille Cox 85th) v Marabella Family Crisis Centre 1 (Rayon Alleyne 47th)
San Fernando Giants 1 (Kerville Jeremiah 79th) v Petit Valley/Diego Martin United 0
RSSR FC 0 v Harlem Strikers 0
LATEST STANDINGS
TEAMS*P*W*D*L*F*A*GD*PTS
1.Defence Force FC*3*3*0*0*7*0*7*9
2.Morvant Caledonia AIA*3*3*0*0*7*3*4*9
3.Cunupia FC*3*2*0*1*7*4*3*6
4.Guaya United F.C*3*2*0*1*3*3*0*6
5.FC Santa Rosa*3*1*1*1*4*6*-2*4
6.Club Sando F.C*3*1*0*2*6*3*3*3
7.San Juan Jabloteh*2*1*0*1*4*3*1*3
8.QPCC*2*0*2*0*2*2*0*2
9.Matura ReUnited F.C*3*0*1*2*2*9*-7*1
10.La Horquetta Rangers FC*0*0*0*0*0*0*0*0
11.Police FC*2*0*0*2*2*5*-3*0
12.Prison Service FC*3*0*0*3*3*9*-6*0
RELATED NEWS
Defence Force, Deportivo Point Fortin stay top
By Narissa Fraser (Newsday).
DEFENCE Force and Deportivo Point Fortin continued their winning streaks over the weekend to maintain the top spots in the 2019 Ascension Invitational Football Tournament.
Defence Force are at the top of Division One, with Morvant Caledonia AIA just below with a three-goal difference, while Deportivo Point Fortin lead Division Two.
Defence Force defeated Guaya United 2-0 at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar on Sunday, with a goal from Dervon Josling in the 44th minute and another from Jelani Felix in the 81st. Guaya dropped to fourth in Division One.
On Saturday, Deportivo Point Fortin demolished Erin FC 7-2 in their Division Two match at the Mahaica Oval in Point Fortin. Deportivo's Andrei Pacheco, the second top goal-scorer of the division, started it off with a goal in the fourth minute, with teammate Judah Garcia adding his name to the scoresheet in the 12th minute.
Erin FC's Jason Gross responded to make it 2-1, but was silenced by yet another goal by Deportivo Point Fortin as Garcia found the back of the net once more.
Garcia copped a third, earning a hat-trick, while Pacheco was just one short with his final goal in the 42nd minute. Erin FC managed to get one more goal thanks to Israel Williams.
League action continues this weekend.
Weekend Results:
DIVISION ONE -
Sunday -
DEFENCE FORCE FC 2 vs GUAYA UNITED FC 0
SAN JUAN JABLOTEH 1 vs MORVANT CALEDONIA AIA 2
QUEEN'S PARK 2 vs MATURA RE-UNITED 2
CLUB SANDO FC 0 vs CUNUPIA FC 2
PRISON SERVICE FC 1 vs FC SANTA ROSA 2
DIVISION TWO -
Saturday -
POLICE FC 1 vs MORUGA FC 0
UTT 2 vs CLUB SANDO - 2
DEPORTIVO POINT FORTIN 7 vs ERIN FC 2
Sunday -
BETHEL UNITED 2 vs MARABELLA FAMILY CRISIS CENTRE 1
PETIT VALLEY/DIEGO MARTIN UNITED 0 vs SAN FERNANDO GIANTS 1
RSSR FC 0, HARLEM STRIKERS 0
-
Rangers FC opens $5M facility Aug 10
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).
Terminix La Horquetta Rangers' opening match of the Ascension Invitational Football League will take place on August 10 with much fanfare at its spanking new facility at Phase Two, La Horquetta, Arima.
After more than $5 million spent to date, the once dilapidated pavilion situated behind the La Horquetta Police Station, has been transformed into a semi state-of-the-art facility, comprising a mini restaurant, an extended seating capacity that measures 120 x 50 feet, commentary booths, four dressing rooms and toilets, water tanks with pumps, laser-turf ground and a facility that has been totally fenced.
On Wednesday, the director at La Horquetta Rangers Richard Ferguson said a total of $450, 000 was spent on the ground alone, and another $435, 000 on lighting facilities. The key he said is to bring football back to the community, which will eventually lead to more support for the sport and a better professional football League in the future.
La Horquetta Rangers is the only team in the new Ascension League that is yet to play its first match. But according to Ferguson, next week's opening match is set to provide fans with a show of culture and football.
In addition to their encounter with Matura Re-United, fans will be treated to live performances from soca artistes Blaxx, Orlando Octave and Isasha, all for $40. And there will also be food and drink from a well-stocked restaurant.
Ferguson noted his club has gone the extra mile in attempting to return football to the glory days. "When you mix the football with the T&T culture, you will get the support of the fans, as it is what T&T people can identify with. More support will lead to an improvement in the quality of the game, and eventually a professional system where players will be paid, and the sport will not have to go cap-in-hand to the government for funding," Ferguson explained.
Ferguson praised the sponsors of the Ascension League for providing players with the opportunity to play the sport.
He admitted his team has also strengthened their force this season by recruiting a few players. He said, "In the past, Rangers has occupied the bottom half of the table, but I think we will do better this year."
-
Glad to see they're taking football back to the community and updated renovation of the home ground, I applaud that. Not say the La Horquetta community will not come out and support but Rangers home fans are from St. Anns. I wonder why the new owner couldn't do the same thing on St. Anns Ground? I remember the days when St. Anns grounds used to be packed with die hard Rangers fans for home games.
-
Glad to see they're taking football back to the community and updated renovation of the home ground, I applaud that. Not say the La Horquetta community will not come out and support but Rangers home fans are from St. Anns. I wonder why the new owner couldn't do the same thing on St. Anns Ground? I remember the days when St. Anns grounds used to be packed with die hard Rangers fans for home games.
I thought St.Anns use to play on the old Governor General grounds behind Queens Hall. Is that still there? It is sad to see Rangers move, but the new owner made a decision which may work out or may not. We will see. Honestly, I hope it work out for him, the team and La Horquetta.
I honestly don't see why they authorities cant take 4 grounds in the QPS and fenced them around for these 4 team sports. One ground with a 4x400 track and turf field for football. One for Rugby. One for cricket. One for field hockey. I don't want to hear no nonsense that building structures will disgrace the Savannah. It already looking disgracefully with some of the structures there currently. We need, or POS need to bring people back to the Savannah. Teams from East POS eh have no proper grounds to play on.
But congrats to Ferguson on his efforts.
-
Glad to see they're taking football back to the community and updated renovation of the home ground, I applaud that. Not say the La Horquetta community will not come out and support but Rangers home fans are from St. Anns. I wonder why the new owner couldn't do the same thing on St. Anns Ground? I remember the days when St. Anns grounds used to be packed with die hard Rangers fans for home games.
What number would you put on an active Rangers' fan base had the team not moved? 500? Less? More?
What about Morvant?
-
Police blasts Matura for first win.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
Six different players found the target as Police FC crushed Matura ReUnited FC 6-0 in Division One of the Ascension Invitational Tournament at the St James Police Academy, St James Police Barracks on Saturday.
However, it took the Lawmen a while to open the scoring with Kaydion Gabriel netting the opener four minutes from the half-time whistle.
A minute after the re-start Kareem Freitas doubled the lead while Jameel Perry put the match beyond doubt in the 53nd.
Keion Wilson then converted a penalty-kick in the 72nd followed by strikes from Adriel Kerr (74th) and Joshua Leach (87th) to complete the drubbing.
Deportivo makes it four in-a-row
Adan Noel scored a second-halfd double as Deportivo PF hammered Club Sando Uprising Youths 7-0 for their fourth straight win from as many matches in Division Two.
Noel found the target in the 71st and 89th after Andrei Pacheco (11th pen), Jeremiah Kesar (50th) and Judah Garcia (56th) had netted for 3-0 lead at Guapo Recreation Ground.
Nathaniel Garcia made it 6-0 in the 73rd and Ezekiel Kesar rounded off the scoring in the 90th to hand Club Sando Uprising Youths, a second loss in four matches.
The University of T&T (UTT) moved up to second with eight points thanks to a 3-0 defeat of Police FC at St James Police Academy with a strike each from Kishun Seecharan (15th), Cyrano Glen (51st) and Stevon Stoute (91st) while Moruga FC edged RSSR FC 1-0 courtesy a strike from Nigel John, two minutes into time added on at the end of the first-half at Grand Chemin Recreation Ground.
Saturday Results
Division One
Police FC 6 (Kaydion Gabriel 41st, Kareem Freitas 46th, Jameel Perry 52nd, Keion Wilson 72nd pen, Adriel Kerr 74th, Joshua Leach 87th) vs Matura ReUnited 0
Division Two
Deportivo P.F 7 (Andrei Pacheco 11th pen, Jeremiah Kesar 50th, Judah Garcia 56th, Adan Noel 71st, 89th, Nathaniel Garcia 73rd, Ezekiel Kesar 90th) vs Club Sando Uprising Youths 0
Moruga FC 1 (Nigel John 47th) vs RSSR FC 0
UTT 3 (Kishun Seecharan 15th, Cyrano Glen 51st, Stevon Stoute 91st) vs Police FC
RELATED NEWS
Deportivo Point Fortin trounce Club Sando Uprising.
By Narissa Fraser (Newsday).
DEPORTIVO Point Fortin increased their unbeaten run in the 2019 Ascension Invitational Tournament to four matches after hammering Club Sando Uprising Youths 7-0 at their home grounds in Gonzales Village, Point Fortin on Saturday evening. Deportivo now have an impressive total of 25 goals in the league.
It was a community rivalry as some players from both teams recently joined forces in the Community Football League (CFL) in April to represent the Guapo district of Point Fortin, and went on to win the league.
Deportivo made the Guapo Recreational Grounds their playground, dominating possession throughout the first half. They were awarded a penalty in the 11th minute which was effortlessly taken by the Division Two top goalscorer Andrei Pacheco to put the visitors 1-0 up.
The action became more intense in the second half as Uprising players and coaches alike were visibly frustrated, missing crucial chances to find the back of the net and displaying a lack of cohesion. Jeremiah Kesar put Deportivo 2-0 up just five minutes after the second half kicked off, and a bullet from Judah Garcia in the 56th minute made it 3-0.
The Uprising defence continued to struggle, conceding two goals in two minutes by Adan Noel in the 71st and Nathaniel Garcia in the 73rd. Noel added his name to the scoresheet once more in the 88th, and Ezekiel Kesar finished it off with a power strike in the final minute of regulation time.
Speaking with Newsday, Deportivo PF captain Hughton Hector said his team took advantage of all their chances, adding that a lack of organisation was Uprising’s downfall.
“They didn’t have that structure of how and when to go forward and to keep the ball and how to play it back around. I think it had too much individual playing and we counter-attacked on that and came out with the victory,” Hector said.
Coach Reynold Carrington told Newsday the team is aiming to upkeep its unbeaten run.
He said, “I think it was a good game, it was a good community rivalry between two teams with a lot of quality but we came out on top today and we are grateful for the three points. I think the quality of our players showed today and in the final third, we took our chances and played with a lot of discipline.”
Other Results –
Division One –
At Police Academy, St James: POLICE (Pro League) (6) - Jameel Perry 40th, 52nd; Kareem Freitas 46th; Kurdell Brathwaite 72nd; Adriel Kerr 73rd; Joshua Leach 87th vs MATURA REUNITED (0).
Division Two –
At Grand Chemin Recreation Ground: MORUGA FC (1) - Nigel John 45th vs RSSR FC (0).
At Police Academy, St James: UTT (3) - Kishun Seecharan 15th; Cyrano Glen 51st, Stevon Stoute 90th vs POLICE (Super League) (0).
-
Jorsling fires Army to 4th win.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
Former national striker, Devorn Jorsling netted a first-half brace to lead Defence Force to a 5-1 thumping of Queen's Park Cricket Club for its fourth win in Division One of the Ascension Invitational Tournament at St Mary's College Ground, Serpentine Road, St Clair on Sunday.
Captain, Jerwyn Balthazar opened the scoring for the "Teteron Men" in the 16th minute, while Aaron Lester made it 2-0 in the 29th, only for Emmanuel Bunting to cut the deficit in half, three minutes before the interval.
However, Jorsling, the all-time leading scorer in the T&T Pro League with 150-plus goals, would change the complexion of the contest just before the break when he extended his team lead in the 44th and then added another with seconds of the restart for a 4-1 half-time lead and upping his league-best tally to five, one ahead of Cunupia's Kevon 'Showtime' Woodley and FC Santa Rosa's John-Paul Rochford.
In the second half, Defence Force continued to dominate, but only added one more goal to their tally courtesy Jerome Mc Intyre in the 58th.
The win was the fourth from as many matches for Defence Force to lead the 12-team table with maximum 12 points, three ahead of Morvant Caledonia AIA who have a match in hand.
FC Santa Rosa climbed to third after coming from behind to beat Club Sando FC with Noel Williams, Giovanni Abraham, Kevon Cornwall and Rochford, all on target after Keron Bethelmy had given the southerners a second-minute lead.
And in the day's other encounter, San Juan Jabloteh took full advantage of the absence of Cunupia FC's main striker Woodley to come away with a 2-1 win.
Despite Woodley's noninvolvement, Cunupia still led early on through Domonique Roberts' 15th-minute strike.
But the 'San Juan Kings', still smarting from a 2-1 loss to Morvant Caledonia a week earlier, replied positively with Nical Stephens getting a 21st-minute equaliser followed by Shaquille John's 25th-minute winner.
Giants trample Strikers in Division Two
Kerville Jeremiah and Johannes Richardson both scored two goals each to lead San Fernando Giants to a comfortable 4-1 defeat of Harlem Strikers to go second behind unbeaten Deportivo P.F.
Jeremiah fired in the opener in the 20th minute which his team took into the half-time interval.
Two minutes into the second-half, Jeremiah made it 2-0 with his fifth goal of the season, one behind Deportivo P.F's Andrei Pacheco, but Wendell Archibald replied for Strikers in the 53rd.
Richardson then joined in on the scoring to restore Giants advantage to 3-1 in the 67th before he added his second in the 81st to complete the scoring.
The victory lifted Giants to ten points from four matches, two behind unbeaten Deportivo PF who hammered Club Sando Uprising Youths 7-0 for their fourth straight win from as many matches on Saturday.
In the two other Division matches on Sunday, Erin FC and Petit Valley/Diego Martin United both picked up their first wins.
Erin FC got a double from Jardel Sinclair to edge Marabella Family Crisis Centre 3-2 and Kieon Melville lone item was enough for Petit Valley/Diego Martin to get over Bethel United.
Results
Sunday, August 4
Division One
Defence Force 5 (Jerwyn Balthazar 16th, Aaron Lester 29th, Devorn Jorsling 44th, 46th, Jerome Mc Intyre 58th) vs QPCC 1 (Emmanuel Bunting 42nd)
San Juan Jabloteh 2 (Nical Stephens 21st, Shaquille John 25th) vs Cunupia FC 1 (Domonique Roberts 15th)
FC Santa Rosa 4 (Noel Williams 26th, Giovanni Abraham 57th, Kevon Cornwall 80th, John-Paul Rochford 85th) vs Club Sando FC 1 (Keron Bethelmy 2nd)
Guaya United vs Prison Service - did not play
On Saturday
Division One
Police FC 6 (Kaydion Gabriel 41st, Kareem Freitas 46th, Jameel Perry 52nd, Keion Wilson 72nd pen, Adriel Kerr 74th, Joshua Leach 87th) vs Matura ReUnited 0
On Sunday
San Fernando Giants 4 (Kerville Jeremiah 20th, 47th, Johannes Richardson 67th, 81st) vs Harlem Strikers 1 (Wendell Archibald 53rd)
Erin FC 3 (Jardel Sinclair 43rd, 67th, Shakuile Williams 58th) vs Marabella Family C.C 2 (Darian Kennedy 26th, Russell Orie 30th)
Petit Valley/Diego Martin Utd 1 (Kieon Melville 80th) vs Bethel United 0
Division Two
Deportivo PF 7 (Andrei Pacheco 11th pen, Jeremiah Kesar 50th, Judah Garcia 56th, Adan Noel 71st, 89th, Nathaniel Garcia 73rd, Ezekiel Kesar 90th) vs Club Sando Uprising Youths 0
Moruga FC 1 (Nigel John 47th) vs RSSR FC 0
UTT 3 (Kishun Seecharan 15th, Cyrano Glen 51st, Stevon Stoute 91st) vs Police FC
-
La Horquetta Rangers make Ascension bow
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
All eyes will be focussed on the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, Phase II, La Horquetta as Terminix La Horquetta Rangers will make their long-awaited debut in the $2.25 million Ascension Invitational Football Tournament Division One against Matura ReUnited, from 6 pm on Saturday.
The Dave Quamina-coached Rangers were due to kick off their campaign on July 13 against San Juan Jabloteh, however due to refurbishment works which at the La Horquetta venue, a decision was taken to postponed all their matches until works at a cost of $5 million were completed, inclusive of the upgrading of the playing field, bleachers, changing rooms, erecting of lights and fencing, and food court areas.
Having endured tough campaigns in the now-defunct T&T Pro League over the past decade, Rangers was sold by the now-deceased Richard Fakoory in 2018 and the new management team has invested heavily into the club which began training since January, with past and present national junior and senior team players inclusive of Leslie Joel Russell, Jevon Morris, Carlyle Mitchell, Tyrone Charles, Glenroy Samuel, Hayden Tinto, Ross Russell Jr, Kadeem Corbin, Kevon Goddard, Aikim Andrews, and Keron "Ball Pest" Cummings on its roster.
Matura ReUnited, on the other hand, have played four matches to date, and suffered defeats in three of four matches, 0-6 versus both Club Sando FC and Police FC, and 0-1 against Guaya United, while they drew 2-2 draw with Queen's Park Cricket Club, in the other.
On Sunday, Morvant Caledonia United will have a great chance to go top of the table on goal-difference from Defence Force when they travel to St Mary's College Ground, Serpentine Road, St Clair for a meeting with Queen's Park Cricket Club from 4 pm.
Defence Force currently leads the table with maximum 12 points, but their match versus rivals San Juan Jabloteh has been rescheduled to Wednesday, August 21, leaving the door open for Morvant Caledonia, with maximum nine points to go top.
The Parkites will enter the match a wounded bunch having suffered a 5-1 drubbing at the same St Clair venue at the hands of the "Teteron Men" last time out.
At the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, third-placed FC Santa Rosa, five points off the top faces a tough battle against Police FC while in other Division One matches, Guaya United welcomes Cunupia FC, and Club Sando FC and Prison Service FC face off.
<Free scoring Deportivo P.F eyes fifth straight win>
In Divison Two, unbeaten leaders, Deportivo P.F will be confident of picking up a fifth straight win when they host Petit Valley/Diego Martin United at Mahaica Oval, Pt Fortin from 6 pm.
Led by the division's leading scorer Andrei Pacheco (six goals), and the trio of Judah Garcia (four), Adan Noel (four) and former India-based striker Marcus Joseph (three), Deportivo P.F has rattled off impressive wins against Harlem Strikers (7-0), Marabella Family Crisis Centre (6-0), Erin FC (7-2) and Club Sando Uprising Youths (7-0) and will be confident of another big win against Petit Valley/Diego Martin, which are coming off their first win of the campaign, 1-0 at home to Bethel United to join three other clubs on four points in the lower half of the 12-team standings.
San Fernando Giants, second on the standings with ten points will also be keen to get full points at home to cellar-placed Marabella Family Crisis Centre at Union Hall Ground, Cypress Hills, San Fernando, to stay in touch with the leaders.
Elsewhere, third-placed University of T&T travels to Bethel United at Mt Gomery, Erin FC entertains Moruga FC at Erin, RSSR FC and Police FC clash at Long Circular, and Harlem Strikers and Uprising Youths meet at Frederick Settlement.
Upcoming Matches
Division One
On Saturday
La Horquetta Rangers vs Matura ReUnited, Phase II, La Horquetta Rec. Grd, 6 pm
On Sunday
FC Santa Rosa vs Police FC, Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, 4 pm
Guaya United vs Cunupia FC, Guaya Rec. Grd, 6 pm
QPCC vs Morvant Caledonia AIA, St Mary's College Grd, Serpentine Rd, St Clair, 4 pm
Club Sando FC vs Prison Service FC, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Training Field, Marabella, 4 pm
-
Seems like there was a lot of big talk from Rangers after the Matura 10-2 win, but they conceded 2 goals and it wasn't like the opponent was a team at the top of the standings.
-
I wouldn't be too worried - when you start entering rugby score territory it's hard to maintain your focus.
-
Jabloteh climbs to 5th in Ascension.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
San Juan Jabloteh got a goal each from Sean Bonval and Jodel Brown to hold off Prison Service FC to move up to fifth on the Division One standings of the Ascension Invitational Tournament at San Juan North Secondary Ground, Bourg Mulatresse, San Juan on Sunday.
Bonval got the opener in the third-minute before Brown made it 2-0 12 minures later, only for Antonio Auguste to pull a goal back for Prison Service three minutes before the half-time interval.
Both teams then failed to add to their tally in the second half, and with Jabloteh picking up a third win in four matches to move to nine points, level with Club Sando FC who have played two matches more, and six behind Morvant Caledonia AIA who leads the table with maximum 15 points, two clear of Defence Force, both from five matches each.
In Sunday's other match, Dwane James scored the last-minute equaliser to earn Cunupia FC a 1-1 draw with Queen's Park Cricket Club at St Mary's College Ground, Serpentine Road, St Clair, after Shomarie Antonie's netted a tenth-minute opener for the host.
In Division Two, Petit Valley/Diego Martin United and Bethel United picked up valuable home wins on Sunday.
At St Anthony's College Ground, Morne Coco Road, Westmoorings, Akeil Thomas' 52nd-minute striker earned Petit Valley/Diego Martin United a 2-1 triumph against Harlem Strikers while Jokiah Leacock, Andel Noray and Tee Jay Cadiz were on target for Bethel United to beat RSSR FC, 3-1.
Results
Sunday
Division One
San Juan Jabloteh 2 (Sean Bonval 3rd, Jodel Brown 15th) vs Prison Service FC 1 (Antonio Auguste 42nd)
QPCC 1 (Shomarie Antoine 10th) vs Cunupia FC 1 Dwane James 90th)
Division Two
Petit Valley/Diego Martin 2 (Ishaq Abdullah 19th, Akeil Thomas 52nd) vs Harlem Strikers 1 (Victor De Silva 36th)
Bethel United 3 (Jokiah Leacock 24th, Andel Noray 25th, Tee Jay Cadiz 35th) vs RSSR FC 1 (Glen Walker 48th)
Saturday
Division One
Morvant Caledonia AIA 1 (Johnny Noreiga-Brito 85th) vs Police FC 0
Club Sando FC 1 (Shackiel Henry 92nd) vs Guaya United 0
La Horquetta Rangers 0 vs Defence Force 0
Matura ReUnited vs FC Santa Rosa, - Did Not Play due to waterlogged field
Division Two
San Fernando Giants 2 (Kyron Williams 22nd, Kerville Jeremiah 24th) vs Club Sando Uprising Youths 0
Moruga FC 5 (Keion La Borde 19th, Kyle Morgan 29th, 71st, Nigel John 37th, Devon Molino 90th) vs Marabella Family C.C 1 (Kaylon Padilla 70th)
Police FC 2 (Dwayne Gonzales 6th, Daniel Warner 50th) vs Erin FC 0
UTT 2 (Che Benny 6th, Stevon Stoute 57th) vs Deportivo P.F 2 (Andrei Pacheco 27th, Justin Sadoo 36th)
Latest Ascension Division Standings
Division One
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. Morvant Caledonia*5*5*0*0*12*5*15
2. Defence Force*5*4*1*0*12*1*13
3. Cunupia FC*6*3*1*2*11*8*10
4. Club Sando*6*3*0*3*11*8*9
5. San Juan Jabloteh*4*3*0*1*8*5*9
6. Santa Rosa*5*2*1*2*9*11*7
7. Police FC*5*2*0*3*12*7*6
8. Guaya United*5*2*0*3*4*6*6
9. La Horquetta Rangers*2*1*1*0*10*2*4
10. QPCC*5*0*3*2*6*12*3
11. Matura ReUnited*5*0*1*4*4*25*1
12. Prison Service*5*0*0*5*5*14*0
Division Two
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. Deportivo*6*5*1*0*32*4*16
2. San F'do Giants*6*5*1*0*18*1*16
3. UTT*6*3*3*0*16*8*12
4. Police FC*6*4*0*2*8*8*12
5. Moruga FC*6*3*1*2*11*6*10
6. Bethel United*6*2*2*2*7*8*8
7. RSSR FC*6*2*1*3*5*5*7
8. P.V/D.M*6*2*1*3*6*9*7
9. Uprising Youths*6*1*2*3*8*14*5
10. Erin FC*6*1*1*4*7*17*4
11. Harlem Strikers*6*1*1*4*5*19*4
12. Marabella*6*0*0*6*4*26*0
Upcoming Matches - Rescheduled
(Tomorrow)
Division One
Defence Force vs San Juan Jabloteh, Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, 4 pm
RELATED NEWS
Morvant Caledonia jump ahead of pack in Ascension.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
MORVANT CALEDONIA AIA jumped ahead of the pack in Division One of the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament on Saturday. Caledonia got an 85th minute winner from Venezuelan attacker Johnny Noreiga-Brito (who moved to the top of the scoring chart with six) to defeat Police (Pro League) 1-0 at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Arima.
Defence Force, the overnight leaders, dropped their first points of the season as they were held to a goalless draw by Terminix La Horquetta Rangers at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, Arima.
Caledonia now sit top with a perfect 15 points from five games, with Defence Force next with 13 points from five matches.
Shackiel Henry found the back of the net, in the second minute of second half stoppage-time, as Club Sando FC edged Guaya United 1-0 at the Guayaguayare Recreation Ground while the match between struggling Matura ReUnited and FC Santa Rosa was abandoned due to a waterlogged outfield at the Matura Recreation Ground.
Deportivo Point Fortin remained in first place, in Division Two, despite a 2-2 draw against the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) at the UTT O’Meara campus, Arima.
Che Benny put UTT in front after six minutes of play but veteran utility player Andrei Pacheco replied in the 27th with a deflected left-footed freekick, which went past the left of a flat-footed UTT goalkeeper Maenie Denoon.
Another midfielder, Justin Sadoo, netted Point Fortin’s second goal in the 36th minute.
T&T midfielder Judah Garcia whipped in a ball from the right flank towards his captain and team striker Hughtun Hector. The ex-T&T midfielder was unable to control the ball but Sadoo pounced on the loose ball and finished from close range.
Kishun Seecharan and skipper Kevaughn Connell missed glorious opportunities to tie the scores, but substitute Stevon Stoute duly obliged in the 67th – two minutes after replacing Benny.
Stoute was picked out by a delightful diagonal ball from left-back Jesus Perez and he placed his right-footed effort beyond the reach of the advancing keeper Denzil Smith.
UTT muffed a chance to take all three points in the 90th minute when substitute Reinaldo Atwell, was tripped in the penalty box by Ronell Paul saw his penalty saved by Smith.
San Fernando Giants moved level with Point Fortin with 16 points (but with an inferior goal difference) after a 2-0 victory over Club Sando Uprising Youths at the Guapo Recreation Ground, Point Fortin. Kyron Williams (22nd) and Kerville Jeremiah (24th) got their names on the scoresheet for the visitors.
Police (Super League) registered a similar 2-0 victory, over Erin FC, at the Larry Gomes Stadium, courtesy strikes from Dwayne Gonzales (20th) and Daniel Warner (50th).Moruga FC cruised to 5-1 triumph over the lowly Marabella Family Crisis Centre at the Grand Chemin Recreation Ground.
Kyle Morgan (29th and 71st), Keion La Rode (19th), Nigel John (37th) and Devon Molino (90th) were on target for Moruga, with Kaylon Padilla (70th) getting the consolation for Marabella.
Clubs call for Ascension extension.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
Ferguson says organisers ready as…
THERE IS a strong possibility that there will be a second round of matches in the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament, if the proposed T-League (combination of Pro League and Super League) does not materialise.
During an extraordinary general meeting of the TT Super League, clubs called for an extension of the Ascension Tournament, which is set to end at the end of September.
In a letter sent by TT Super League general secretary Peter Thomas to TT Football Association general secretary Camara David, “Based on the lack of information received from the TTFA regarding funding and the start date of the proposed T-League, clubs support the playing of a second round of the Ascension Invitational Tournament 2019.”
Richard Ferguson, a director at Terminix La Horquetta Rangers and the brainchild behind the $2.3 million Ascension tournament, is supportive of the call to continue the competition.
“We had a meeting with the clubs,” said Ferguson yesterday. “About 16-17 clubs agreed to play a second round because, whilst there are promises, the fact is that nothing has been happening. Lots of dates are being thrown out but nothing concrete.
“I want to make it clear that the Ascension League will not play unless it’s governed or sanctioned by the TTFA,” Ferguson continued. “(Also) we will only play if there is no other league. If there is some other football playing or the T League, we will step aside and let them play. If there is no other league, then we will try and fill the void.” Ferguson pointed out, “We are ready and prepared. We have fixtures and so on. We just need the sanction from the TTFA. We’re ready to go.”
T League commission member Brent Sancho bemoaned the lack of financial support, from both the FIFA Forward Programme and Government, towards the proposed unified local football league.
“We are still awaiting the monies from both the FIFA Forward Programme and the (government) subvention,” said Sancho. “Nothing has changed, and nothing will change unless that position (concerning the funding) changes. I don’t know what is expected to be done but that is the current position.” Asked if the T-League has sought corporate sponsorship, Sancho replied, “You can’t write to any corporate entity. We’ve had preliminary discussions but what are you going to write and tell them? We need these two sets of monies to start the League.
“If we have not had any sort of consultation of those monies, nothing could start,” he added. “You need the monies, not only for the clubs, but more importantly the administrative side, the referees, officials, all those other things that you’ll need to run a football league.”
Concerning the call for the Ascension to be continued, Sancho said, “The Pro League has a board meeting on Wednesday and I’m sure all these things would be discussed. I can’t say anything as it relates to the extension. All I’ll say is that I congratulate Mr Ferguson and Ascension for making sure that there was football being played.”
Ferguson is also pleased with the quality of the tournament thus far.
“It’s quite successful,” he said. “The level of football is very high. The public has been engaging (the players) in the community grounds.”
-
Army takes control of Ascension.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
National defender Curtis Gonzales scored a rear goal to earn Defence Force a come-from-behind 2-1 win over San Juan Jabloteh to regain top spot in the 12-team Division One standing of the Ascension Invitational Tournament at Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, Arima on Wednesday.
Jabloteh, winners of three of their first four matches, took the 28th minute via former national youth team striker Jodel Brown which his team took into the half-time interval.
Ten minutes into the second half, Aaron Lester got the "Teteron Men" level and with eight minutes left in the contest, Gonzales fired in the winner for Defence Force to move to 16 points from six matches, one more than unbeaten Morvant Caledonia AIA, who have a match in hand.
Tonight, sixth-placed FC Santa Rosa will have a chance to break into the top four when they host Guaya United, a further point behind, at the Arima Municipal Stadium, Arima, from 8 pm
Tomorrow (Saturday), Morvant Caledonia will go after a sixth straight win when they travel to Matura ReUnited, in one of three matches on the day in Division One.
Latest Ascension Football League Standings
Division One:
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. Defence Force*6*5*1*0*14*2*16
2. Morvant Caledonia*5*5*0*0*12*5*15
3. Cunupia FC*6*3*1*2*11*8*10
4. Club Sando*6*3*0*3*11*8*9
5. Jabloteh*5*3*0*2*8*6*9
6. Santa Rosa*5*2*1*2*9*11*7
7. Police FC*5*2*0*3*12*7*6
8. Guaya United*5*2*0*3*4*6*6
9. T L. H Rangers*2*1*1*0*10*2*4
10. QPCC*5*0*3*2*6*12*3
11. Matura ReUnited*5*0*1*4*4*25*1
12. Prison Service*5*0*0*5*5*14*0
Division Two
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. Deportivo*6*5*1*0*32*4*16
2. San F'do Giants*6*5*1*0*18*1*16
3. UTT*6*3*3*0*16*8*12
4. Police FC*6*4*0*2*8*8*12
5. Moruga FC*6*3*1*2*11*6*10
6. Bethel United*6*2*2*2*7*8*8
7. RSSR FC*6*2*1*3*5*5*7
8. P.V/D.M*6*2*1*3*6*9*7
9. Uprising Youths*6*1*2*3*8*14*5
10. Erin FC*6*1*1*4*7*17*4
11. Harlem Strikers*6*1*1*4*5*19*4
12. Marabella*6*0*0*6*4*26*0
Upcoming Matches
Division One
Today (Saturday)
FC Santa Rosa vs Guaya United, Arima Municipal Stadium, Arima, 8 pm
Tomorrow
Police FC vs Defence Force, Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, 4pm
T. L. H Rangers vs Cunupia FC, Phase II, La Horquetta Rec. Grd, 6 pm
Matura ReUnited vs Morvant Caledonia AIA, Matura Rec. Grd, 4 pm
On Sunday
Prison Service vs QPCC, Youth Training Centre Grd, Arouca, 4 pm
Club Sando vs San Juan Jabloteh, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Training Field, Marabella, 4 pm
-
Army whips Police to stay ahead.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
Defence Force stayed a point clear of Morvant Caledonia AIA at the top of Division One of the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over Police FC in the second match of a double-header at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, yesterday.
The win lifted the “Teteron Men” to 19 points from seven matches, one ahead of Caledonia AIA, who clobbered Matura ReUnited 5-1 and have a match in hand.
The lawmen broke the deadlock a minute into the second-half via Jameel Perry but Darius Ollivierra got Defence Force level with a deflected effort 11 minutes later.
Jameel Cooper then fired Defence Force ahead in the 76th and two minutes later Reon Moore sealed the victory.
Up at Matura Recreation Ground, Josiah Sylvester, Shem Clauzel, Radanfah Abu Bakr, Lukas Risto and Sedale Mc Lean were all on the scoresheet for Caledonia AIA before Brendon Figuera netted a late consolation for the hosts.
On Friday night at the Arima Municipal Stadium, FC Santa Rosa defeated Guaya United 3-1 with Osei Sandy (44th), John-Paul Rochford (49th) and Kevon Cornwall (89th pen) finding the net. For Guaya United, Akeil Paul scored in the 85th.
Last night, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers entertained Cunupia FC at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, while today, Prison FC faces Queen’s Park Cricket Club at YTC Ground, Arouca and Club Sando entertain San Juan Jabloteh, both from 4 pm.
In Division Two meanwhile, Police FC ended the unbeaten run of joint-leaders Deportivo P.F with a 3-2 triumph in the opening match of the double-header at the Larry Gomes Stadium.
Nicholas Roach and Donavon Derrick netted in the 13th and 29th minute respectively for Police to lead 2-0 at the half-time interval.
Seven minutes into the second-half Andrei Pacheco cut the lead in half for Deportivo, only for Mekhi Brooks to restore Police’s two-goal cushion in the 78th at 3-1.
With the seconds ticking away, Deportivo managed to get a second item but it was too little too late as Police held on for the win to climb to 15 points from seven matches, one behind Deportivo P.F and San Fernando Giants, with the latter set to host Bethel United at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium from 4 pm today, with a chance to grab sole possession of top spot.
In today’s other match, Petit Valley/Diego Martin United entertains Erin FC at St Anthony’s College Ground, Westmoorings, from 4 pm.
Scores:
(Division 1)
August 23:
FC Santa Rosa 3 (Osei Sandy 44th, John-Paul Rochford 49th, Kevon Cornwall 89th pen) v Guaya United 1 (Akeil Paul 85th)
Yesterday:
Defence Force 3 (Darius Ollivierra 57th, Jameel Cooper 76th, Reon Moore 78th) v Police FC 1 (Jameel Perry 46th)
Morvant Caledonia AIA 5 (Josiah Sylvester 14th, Shem Clauzel 28th, Radanfah Abu Bakr 47th, Lukas Risto 75th, Sedale Mc Lean 94th) v Matura ReUnited 1 (Brendon Figuera 82nd)
(Division Two)
Yesterday:
Police FC 3 (Nicholas Roach 13th, Donavon Derrick 29th, Mekhi Brooks 78th) v Deportivo P.F 2 (Andrei Pacheco 52nd pen, Nathaniel Garcia 92nd)
Upcoming matches:
(Division One)
Today:
Prison Service v QPCC, Youth Training Centre Grd, Arouca, 4 pm
Club Sando v San Juan Jabloteh, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Training Field, 4 pm
(Division Two)
Today:
Petit Valley/Diego Martin Utd v Erin FC, St Anthony’s College Grd, Westmoorings, 4 pm
San Fernando Giants vs Bethel United, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella, 4 pm
-
Jabloteh’s John tricks Club Sando
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian)
Shaquille John scored a second-half hattrick to earn San Juan Jabloteh a thrilling come-from-behind 4-3 triumph over Club Sando in Division One of the Ascension Invitational Tournament Sunday.
Michael Basdeo fired Club Sando ahead in the 25th minute at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium Training Field in Marabella, only for Sean Bonval to hit back for Jabloteh from the penalty spot 12 minutes later.
Former national striker Trevin Caesar restored the lead for Club Sando on the hour mark, but John then netted his first in the 71st minute to get Jabloteh even again.
However, within three minutes the Angus Eve-coached Club Sando outfit went ahead for the third time in the match thanks to Shackiel Henry and looked well set to hang on for all three points until John drew Jabloteh even again in the 86th. Then, a minute into time added on John banged home the winner from the penalty spot after a handled ball infringement.
The win, the fourth in six matches for Jabloteh, moved them up to third with 12 points on the 12-team table, seven behind Defence Force with a match in hand, while Morvant Caledonia AIA are second with a maximum 18 points. Club Sando slipped a spot to sixth with nine points.
In yesterday’s other match, Saleem Henry’s lone 18th-minute strike was enough to earn Queen’s Park Cricket Club their first win in six matches, 1-0 over Prison Service FC, at the Youth Training Centre Ground, Arouca.
On Saturday night, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers stopped Cunupia FC 4-1 at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, La Horquetta.
Leslie Russell opened the scoring for the hosts in the tenth minute but Kevon ‘Showtime’ Woodley drew Cunupia level in the 28th as both teams went in 1-1 at the interval.
Seven minutes after the restart, Jomoul Francois restored Rangers’ slim advantage before Kadeem Corbin made it 3-1 in the 63rd, followed by Ross Russell Jr’s 73rd-minute strike to seal all three points.
In Division Two, Yohannes Richardson netted twice to lead San Fernando Giants to a 5-2 win over Bethel United at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium Training Field, Marabella and with it the lead on the 12-team table.
Richardson got his goals in the 39th and 47th minutes after Kerville Jeremiah (1st) and Akido Joseph (37th) had given Giants a 2-0 lead. Keston Grant got the fifth item in the 72nd while Bethel United got a goal each from Dominique Roberts (41st) and Tee Jay Cadiz (75th).
With the win, Giants moved to 19 points from seven matches, two ahead of Deportivo P.F, who suffered a first defeat on Saturday against Police FC 3-2.
In yesterday’s other match, Erin FC got the better of Petit Valley/Diego Martin United 1-0 at St Anthony’s College Ground, Westmoorings, thanks to Eyesse Riefer’s 13th-minute goal.
Results:
(Division One)
Yesterday:
QPCC 1 (Saleem Henry 18) v Prison Service 0
San Juan Jabloteh 4 (Shaquille John 71, 80, 91 pen, Sean Bonval 37 pen) v Club Sando 3 (Michael Basdeo 25, Trevin Caesar 60, Shackiel Henry 74)
Saturday:
Defence Force 3 (Darius Ollivierra 57, Jameel Cooper 76, Reon Moore 78) v Police FC 1 (Jameel Perry 46)
Morvant Caledonia AIA 5 (Joshua Sylvester 14, Shem Clauzel 28, Radanfah Abu Bakr 47, Lukas Risto 75, Sedale Mc Lean 94) v Matura ReUnited 1 (Brendon Figuera 82)
La Horquetta Rangers 4 (Leslie Russell 10, Jomoul Francois 52, Kadeem Corbin 63 Ross Russell Jr 73) v Cunupia FC 1 (Kevon Woodley 28)
Friday:
FC Santa Rosa 3 (Osei Sandy 44, John-Paul Rochford 49, Kevon Cornwall 89 pen) v Guaya United 1 (Akeil Paul 85)
(Division Two)
Yesterday:
Erin FC 1 (Eyesse Riefer 13th) v Petit Valley/Diego Martin Utd 0
San Fernando Giants 5 (Yohannes Richardson 39, 47, Kerville Jeremiah 1, Akido Joseph 37, Keston Grant 72) v Bethel United 2 (Dominique Roberts 41, Tee Jay Cadiz 75)
Saturday:
Police FC 3 (Nicholas Roach 13, Donavon Derrick 29, Mekhi Brooks 78) v Deportivo P.F 2 (Andrei Pacheco 52 pen, Nathaniel Garcia 92)
Harlem Strikers 2 (Courie Dhanoolal 14, Josiah Phillip 41) v Moruga FC 1 (Nigel John 70)
Club Sando UY 4 (Aalon Minors 13 pen, 80, Shavon Daniel Diaz 24, 36) v Marabella FCC 0
UTT 5 (Kishun Seecharan 45, 91, Cyrano Glen 18, Kevaughn Connell 31, Che Benny 35) v RSSR FC 3 (Micah Lansiquot 15, 44, Glen Walker 50 pen)
RELATED NEWS
Rochford delights again as Santa Rosa ease past Guaya; spectator injured in off-field fracas in Arima.
By Roneil Walcott (Wired868).
FC Santa Rosa jumped to fourth spot in Division One of the Ascension Invitational Tournament last night after defeating Trinidad and Tobago Super League (TTSL) rivals Guaya United by a 3-1 margin at the Arima Velodrome.
When the ‘Big Cannons’ of Santa Rosa and Guaya meet—both have rotated the TTSL title over the past three seasons—there are usually fireworks.
In 2017, Rosa president Keith Look Loy had a running battle with the local refereeing body, which kicked off after his striker Rashad Griffith suffered a concussion in a collision with Guaya goalkeeper Shane Mattis. Look Loy accused referee Cecile Hinds and her officiating team of not doing enough to protect the players’ safety.
Guaya president Randy Hagley supported a move to replace Look Loy as the TTSL’s representative on the TTFA board earlier this year. And Hagley’s decision to hire Travis Mulraine as head coach would have only added to the tension too.
Let’s just say that Look Loy’s fondness for current Guaya coach Travis Mulraine could be likened to that of former England Premier League rivals Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira. There’s no love lost.
But Rosa were all smiles at the end last night and their diminutive playmaker John-Paul Rochford was a breath of fresh air—scoring a sublime goal and creating another—in a scrappy encounter that lacked genuine quality for much of the 90 minutes.
Rochford was not the only one to get spectators off their seats.
Around the 72nd minute mark, with the hosts leading 2-0 thanks to goals by Rochford and left back Osei Sandy, one male spectator came under attack by a group of men who hurled glass bottles in his direction. Supporters in the covered stands ran for safety as the crashing sound of bottles intensified, while the surprised victim seemed to cause more injury to himself in his bid to escape.
He was subsequently whisked away in an ambulance.
Meanwhile, with no visible police presence at the venue, the unruly assailants, who entered the covered stands in the second half, strolled out of the arena in the midst of the frantic melee.
Trinidad and Tobago Senior Men’s National Team coach Dennis Lawrence was in attendance and, while he must have been pleased with the maturity and poise shown by the 19-year-old Rochford—who recently earned his Senior Team debut against St Vincent and the Grenadines—the unsavoury incident in the stands may have been too close for comfort.
“In my forty years of watching football I never see something like this,” one spectator exclaimed.
“Trinidad really gone through yes,” another chimed in. “Look how easy you could get your death.”
After a momentary stoppage in play, referee Kwinsi Williams resumed proceedings and a new-look Rosa completed their return to winning ways. Having suffered heavy defeats to Cunupia FC (5-2) and Police FC (4-1) in Ascension Division One action, Rosa have undergone something of an overhaul and their current personnel bear little resemblance to last year’s triumphant TTSL outfit.
Midfielders Akeem ‘Froggy’ Garcia and Jesse Rampersad followed coach Derek King to HFX Wanderers in the Canadian Premier League, while former club captain Ryan ‘Fry’ Stewart has also left, after briefly coming out of retirement to feature in the early rounds of the Ascension Tournament.
Flankers Kheelon Mitchell and Kishun Seecharan and veteran utility player Noel Williams have also departed.
Rosa’s new brigade includes young talent such as Rochford, Rivaldo Coryat and Julio Noel and is reinforced with more experienced campaigners like Russel Alfred, Damani Richards and Soca Warriors custodian Marvin Phillip.
“We had six new starters here tonight, including Marvin Phillip, you cannot get a better goalkeeper than that,” Look Loy told Wired868. “We are bedding these players; some of them are National Under-20 boys. […] We have started a new project to get to the top of Trinidad and Tobago club football and these are just the early teething stages.”
Last night, with the defeats to Cunupia and Police still fresh in their minds, Rosa were merely trying to overcome the Guaya hurdle.
It wasn’t the vintage Guaya by any means. Distracted by ‘Guaya-fest’ in south-east Trinidad, the ‘Green Army’ turned up without their large support base and just 13 players on the night. Mulraine didn’t even bother to make a sub.
A disappointed Mulraine said inconsistent attendance by players in training sessions translated to the end product on the field of play.
“I am hugely disappointed with the result and I don’t think we deserved to lose 3-1,” said Mulraine. “It’s down to a lack of consistency in training. Some days you have a full complement of guys and other days you have six to eight players. It’s very frustrating as a coach.
“You actually have to have two sessions planned in your head [according to your turnout].”
With one team blooding six new players into their starting line-up and the other struggling to get a full turnout, the football spectacle was scrappy and disjointed for the most part, with sporadic flashes of brilliance and quality.
That quality often came from the boot of Rochford, who teed up a willing runner in Sandy with some silky skill down the left flank in the 44th minute. Upon receiving Rochford’s square pass just inside the area, Sandy drilled a left-footed shot into the bottom corner and beyond Mattis’ beefy arms.
“John-Paul is a quality young player for the future. I hope he continues to improve and keeps his feet on the ground and tries to leave Trinidad as soon as possible,” Mulraine said. “Allowing him to play in this League will be good for toughening him up a bit [but] he should be heading overseas soon.”
The Guaya players would probably share that same sentiment. In the earlier stages of the game, they used their physicality to impose themselves on the Rosa players.
But as the game wore on and Rosa reneged on the long ball strategy that was meat and drink for Guaya’s defensive duo of Kerwyn Navarro and skipper Glenton Wolfe, the hosts assumed control of the contest through snappy midfield interplay on the counter.
In the 49th minute, Rochford, who looked to be a man on a mission, received a pass from Alfred near the half line and parted a sea of red Guaya jerseys like Moses before unleashing a right-footed shot into the top corner from the edge of the area.
It was his fifth goal in the Ascension’s top flight and Mattis had absolutely no chance. The former National Under-17 and Under-20 captain began the season as a ‘super sub’ but he must be the first name on Look Loy’s team sheet these days.
“We’re very proud of [Rochford]. He was literally born in Santa Rosa and came through the club’s ranks,” Look Loy said. “And now, we are seeing the benefits as he’s helping to lead the team.”
On the topic of leadership, Wired868 asked Look Loy about the status of the Rosa head coaching job, which was handed to former WASA FC coach Shurland David in March of this year.
“We signed a contract with Shurland David, taking us from April to December—one season. We said it was going to be a trial period,” Look Loy told Wired868. “At the end of May, he said that he had certain domestic issues to resolve. I told him to resolve them.
“[…] We explained that we would cover his back with whatever assistance he needed. That’s the last I’ve seen of him.”
Look Loy said it wasn’t his intention to take a hands-on approach with the team this year but he could not sit idly by and do nothing.
“We have taken over the responsibility without him,” said Look Loy. “Last season, I didn’t have a major role. But, this is my club and if the person who has been chosen as coach has disappeared, I will take on a greater role.
“I’m functioning as a technical director for this team, which is the role I perform for the club on a whole. I’m not going to waste my years of technical experience and knowledge and sit down on the side line in a situation like this.”
Against the run of play, Guaya attacker Akeil Paul glanced a header beyond a flat-footed Phillip in the 84th minute, after Wolfe floated in a beautiful set piece.
Mulraine wished the other Wolfe, Anthony, was on hand to help his team hunt for victory last night.
“I think [Anthony’s] loss was big for the team because he added that bit of quality in the midfield,” Mulraine said. “As you can see we are quite aggressive off the ball but when we win it we give it away far too easily. Anthony added that bit of calm and quality when we’re in possession.”
Guaya hopes of a late comeback were dashed when Rosa sub Kevon Cornwall calmly converted a 90th minute penalty, after being fouled in the area by Mattis.
Back to winning ways, Rosa will next face table toppers Defence Force. Look Loy is looking forward to the challenge.
“I have no doubt that the better and best Super League clubs could match any club in the Pro League. I’ve said that for years and I’m going to stick to it,” Look Loy said. “Now having said that, we’re going to meet the top club in the Ascension Tournament in Defence Force next week. They are the standard in the tournament thus far so we are going to measure my words against them next week.”
(Teams)
FC Santa Rosa (4-2-3-1): 1.Marvin Phillip (GK); 2.Nykoaba James, 19.Jesse Reyes (captain), 18.Damani Richards, 15.Osei Sandy; 21.Durwin Ross (12.Shaka Pilgrim 85), 11.Rivaldo Coryat; 24.Julio Noel (6.Kadeem Riley 81), 23.John-Paul Rochford, 14.Giovanni Abraham; 17.Russel Alfred (9.Kevon Cornwall 66).
Unused Substitutes: 23.Joel Johnson (GK), 3.Lincoln Brown, 25.Shakiyl Phillip.
Technical director: Keith Look Loy
Guaya United (4-1-4-1): 13.Shane Mattis (GK); 10.Patrick Parris, 23.Kerwyn Navarro, 24.Glenton Wolffe (captain), 21.Dakeil Ferreira; 55.Sylvon Sylvan; 22.Franklyn Romain, 8.Devin Mitchell, 16.Renaldo McIntosh, 7.Jody Allsop; 3.Akeil Paul.
Unused Substitutes: 1.Denzil Carabon (GK), 5.Rondell Ragoo.
Coach: Travis Mulraine
Referee: Kwinsi Williams
Wired868 Man of the Match: John-Paul Rochford (FC Santa Rosa)
Ascension Invitational Tournament - Division One Result
(Friday 23 August)
FC Santa Rosa 3 (Osei Sandy 44, John-Paul Rochford 49, Kevon Cornwall 90), Guaya United 1 (Akeil Paul 84) at Arima Velodrome.
-
Sando Giants top Ascension league.
By Narissa Fraser (Newsday).
After Deportivo Point Fortin handed first defeat
THE SAN Fernando Giants now top Division Two of the Ascension Invitational Tournament after Deportivo Point Fortin’s unbeaten run came to an end.
Deportivo suffered their first defeat of the season after six matches, losing 3-2 to Police FC at the Larry Gomes Stadium, on Saturday. On Sunday, the Giants took advantage of the then leaders dropping points, squashing Bethel United 5-2 to remain unbeaten.
Deportivo are now in second place of the Division Two table with 16 points, while the Giants have 19.
Also, on Sunday, in Division Two action, Erin FC defeated Petit Valley/Diego Martin United 1-0.
In Division One fixtures, Club Sando FC were beaten 4-3 by fellow TT Pro-League club San Juan Jabloteh, and Prison Service FC won their game against Queen’s Park 1-0.
Defence Force and Morvant Caledonia AIA maintained their unbeaten runs, winning their respective Division One games on Saturday. Defence Force trounced Police FC 3-1 while Caledonia defeated Matura ReUnited 5-1. Defence Force led Division One with 19 points and Caledonia have 18, with a game in hand.
Four other matches were played on Saturday. Crisis continued for Marabella Family Crisis Centre who were handed their seventh consecutive loss as they faced Club Sando Uprising Youths, who won 4-0.
Terminix La Horquetta Rangers continued their winning ways, defeating Cunupia FC 4-1, and Moruga FC lost 2-0 to Caroni’s Harlem Strikers.
On Friday, FC Santa Rosa defeated Guaya FC 3-1 at the Arima Velodrome.
The league continues this evening as the Rangers face Guaya FC, at 6 pm, at the La Horquetta Recreational Ground.
Queen’s Park will go up against San Juan Jabloteh at 4 pm tomorrow at the St Mary’s College Ground.
Division One results
(Friday 23 August)
FC Santa Rosa 3 (Osei Sandy 44, John-Paul Rochford 49, Kevon Cornwall 89 pen), Guaya United 1 (Akeil Paul 85) at Arima Velodrome;
(Saturday 24 August)
Police FC 1 (Jameel Perry 46), Defence Force 3 (Darius Ollivierra 57, Jameel Cooper 76, Reon Moore 78) at Larry Gomes Stadium;
Terminix La Horquetta Rangers 4 (Leslie Russell 10, Jomoul Francois 52, Kadeem Corbin 63, Ross Russell Jr 73), Cunupia FC 1 (Kevon Woodley 28) at La Horquetta;
Matura ReUnited 1 (Brendon Figuera 82), M’vt Caledonia AIA 5 (Joshua Sylvester 14, Shem Clauzel 28, Radanfah Abu Bakr 45+2, Lukas Risto 71, Sedale McLean 90+4 pen) at Matura Recreation Ground;
(Sunday 25 August)
Prison Service FC 0, QPCC 1 (Saleem Henry 18) at YTC, Arouca;
Club Sando 3 (Michael Basdeo 25, Trevin Caesar 60, Shackiel Henry 74), San Juan Jabloteh 4 (Sean Bonval 37 pen, Shaquille John 71, 86, 90+3 pen) at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium Training Field.
-
Creighton fires Rangers to 4th.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
Jamal Creighton fired in a hat-trick as Terminix La Horquetta Rangers hammered Guaya United 7-0 to climb into the fourth spot in the Ascension Invitational Football League Division One at La Horquetta Recreation Ground, La Horquetta on Tuesday night.
In the rescheduled match, national striker Kadeem Corbin opened the scoring in the seventh minute for Rangers before Samuel Delice doubled the advantage eight minutes later. The team got the third item two minutes into time added on at the end of the first-half by Creighton.
Creighton made it 4-0 in the 57th minute with his second on the night while Jomoul Francois fired in his fifth of the campaign in the 74th to extend the advantage to 5-0.
With nine minutes left in the match, Creighton completed his treble to carry his season tally to four, before Keron "Ball Pest" Cummings rounded off the scoring four minutes into time added-on
The victory lifted Rangers to ten points from four matches, level with Cunupia FC and FC Santa Rosa, but ahead of goal-difference.
At the top of the 12-team table is Defence Force with 19 points from seven matches, one ahead of Morvant Caledonia AIA which has maximum 18 points from six matches, followed by San Juan Jabloteh with 12, and a match in hand as well.
Tomorrow, Rangers will have a chance to move one more spot up the table into third, when they entertain
seventh-placed Club Sando at La Horquetta from 6 pm
Tuesday's Results
Division One
La Horquetta Rangers 7 (Jamal Creighton 45th +2, 57th, 81st, Kadeem Corbin 7th, Samuel Delice 15th, Jomoul Francois 74th, Keron Cummings 90th+4) vs Guaya United 0
Upcoming Fixtures
(Friday 30 August)
Terminix La Horquetta Rangers v Club Sando, 6pm, La Horquetta;
(Sunday 1 September)
Cunupia FC v Prison Service, 4pm, Larry Gomes Stadium;
Matura ReUnited v San Juan Jabloteh, 4pm, Matura Recreation Ground;
Guaya United v M’vt Caledonia AIA, 6pm, Guaya Recreation Ground;
Police FC v QPCC, TBD;
Defence Force v FC Santa Rosa, TBD.
-
Ah notice that the referees' interpretation of when play should be allowed to continue is somewhat liberal. Some of those incidents would have been blown without hesitation in other countries rather than turning into multiple hacking events. Keep de football realistic although is big man ting and we have a bunch of uncompromising tacklers in T&T.
-
Army keeps perfect Morvant Caledonia at bay.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
Veteran striker Devorn Jorsling was among the goals once more as Defence Force overcame FC Santa Rosa when matches in the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament Division One table continued on Sunday.
Before a crowd of close to 500 spectators, Jorsling, the T&T Pro League all-time leading scorer with 160-plus goals, capped off a dominant first-half by converting a penalty kick at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Training Field, Mucurapo, after Jameel Cooper was fouled in the 18-yard box.
Three minutes into the second half, Jerome Mc Intyre doubled the lead for the "Teteron Men" from close range while Darius Ollivierra hammered home the third item in the 75th minute before Osei Sandy got a consolation item for Santa Rosa, with the 'Goal of the Match' side foot volleying in a well-flighted free-kick in mid-air.
The win kept Defence Force ahead on the 12-team table with 22 points, one ahead of Morvant Caledonia AIA, who edged host Guaya United 2-1 at Guaya Recreation Ground, Guaya.
Sheldon Holder got the opener for Morvant Caledonia in the 11th, but Ronald Mc Intosh drew Guaya level in the 25th, only for Kerry Daniel to net the decisive item in the 50th minute from the penalty spot to hand Morvant Caledonia a seventh straight win ahead of their meeting with Terminix La Horquetta Rangers on Wednesday at La Horquetta from 6 pm.
Third-placed Jabloteh stayed in the hunt courtesy a 3-1 defeat of Matura ReUnited at Matura Recreation Ground to improve to 15 points from seven matches, while Cunupia FC trounced Prisons Service 4-0 at Malabar to keep hold of the fourth spot, thanks to a treble from Kevon "Showtime" Woodley to up his league-best tally to nine, three more than Jorsling, and Police and Queen's Park Cricket Club drew 1-1 in the opening match at Mucurapo.
Deportivo blast Bethel behind Kesae beaver
Jeremiah Kesar ended Deportivo P.F two-match winless streak in style by scoring a beaver trick in their come-from-behind 7-2 trashing of Bethel United at Mahaica Oval, Pt Fortin.
The visitors went ahead as early as the sixth minute through Andel Noray, but Aden Noel (23rd and 42nd), and Kesar (37th) got replies for Deportivo to take a 3-1 lead at the break in front their home supporters.
Noray again got the goal to start the second half, and cut the deficit to 2-3, but like the first half, the hosts responded grandly with Akeem Redhead (69th), making it 4-2 followed by three more strikes from Kesar in the 70th, 75th, and 87th to up his season tally to nine goals, level with team-mate Andrei Pacheco.
Deportivo is also level at the top of the table with San Fernando Giants with 19 points, but while the Pt Fortin-based club has played eight matches, Giants have played seven after their scheduled meeting with RSSR at Curepe Recreation Ground, did not come off.
The University of T&T are only a point off the lead after a 1-0 triumph against Erin FC at Erin via Che Benny's 40th-minute effort
RESULTS
On Friday
Division One:
T.L.H Rangers 0 vs Club Sando 0
On Sunday
Defence Force 3 (Devorn Jorsling 45th, Jerome Mc Intyre 48th, Darius Ollivierra 75th) vs FC Santa Rosa 1 (Osei Sandy 85th)
Cunupia FC 4 (Kevon Woodley 6th, 56th, 90th, Mekheil Peters 47th) vs Prison Service FC 0
Police FC 1 (Adriel Kerr 52nd) vs QPCC 1 (Ronaldo Jacob 66th)
San Juan Jabloteh 3 (Kadeem Hutchinson 5th, Shaquille John 36th, Elair Brewster 63rd) vs Matura ReUnited 1 (Gerald Maloney 26th)
Morvant Caledonia AIA 1 (Sheldon Holder 11th, Kerry Daniel 50th) vs Guaya United FC 1 (Ronald Mc Intosh 25th)
Division Two
On Sunday
Deportivo P.F 7 (Jeremiah Kesar 37th, 70th, 75th, 87th, Aden Noel 23rd, 42nd, Akeem Redhead 69th) vs Bethel United 2 (Andel Noray 6th, 62nd)
UTT 1 (Che Benny 40th) vs Erin FC 0
Harlem Strikers 4 (Victor De Silva 51st, 90th, Corie Dhanoolal 72nd, Andell Allsop 83rd) vs Police FC 0
Marabella Family C.C 1 (Stephan Campbell 68th) vs Petit Valley/Diego Martin 0
Moruga FC 2 (Kevin John 62nd, Kervelle Turner 86th) vs Club Sando Uprising Youths 2 (Shavon Daniel Diaz 23rd, Kendell Davis 52nd)
-
Creighton double lifts Rangers in Ascension.
T&T Guardian Reports.
Jamal Creighton scored a pair of goals to lead Terminix La Horquetta Rangers past cellar-placed Prisons Service 4-1 and into the fourth spot in Division One of the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament at the Phase II, La Horquetta Recreation Ground, La Horquetta, on Wednesday night.
A former national youth striker, Creighton opened the scoring as early as the sixth minute while out-of-favour national striker Kadeem Corbin made it 2-0 in the 22nd for his team to go into the half-time interval well placed.
Ten minutes into the second half, Creighton completed his double before Keron "Ball Pest" Cummings added the insurance item in the 71st to secure a fourth win in six matches, while Leandro Subero got Prisons' consolation two minutes from full-time.
The victory lifted Rangers to fourth with 14 points from six matches, eight behind leaders Defence Force, who have played two matches more, while Morvant Caledonia AIA are second with a perfect 21 points from seven matches, followed by San Juan Jabloteh with 15 points from seven matches.
On Friday, round nine matches kick off with Jabloteh and Club Sando at Arima Municipal Stadium, Arima from 8 pm.
(Teams)
La Horquetta Rangers (4-4-2): 20.Jabari St Hillaire (GK); 18.Jevon Morris, 5.Leslie Joel Russell, 77.Samuel Delice, 12.Caleb Sturge; 7.Aikim Andrews (24.Kishon Hackshaw 46), 8.Jamal Creighton (captain), 6.Kevon Goddard, 45.Kadeem Corbin; 21.Keyon Edwards (15.Keron Cummings 46), 10.Tyrone Charles (13.Jameel Antoine 77).
Unused substitutes: 16.Hayden Tinto.
Coach: Dave Quamina
Prison Service (4-3-3): 1.Jevon Bourne (GK); 20.Cordel Boyce-Bain (7.Joseph Brown 86), 18.Matthew Dufeal, 12.Kylon Gay, 26.Leon Lewis; 13.Richard Scoon, 4.Anthony Parris (captain), 5.Aaron Peters (19.Edric Daniels 86); 6.Herbert Donell (21.Leandro Subero 67), 27.Jordan Devonish (9.Kwesi Jeffrey 67), 17.Antonio Auguste (11.Nathan Julien 67).
Unused substitutes: 25.Nevorne McNicoll (GK), 2.Quason Hartman, 10.Shane Hospedales, 15.Anton Charles.
Coach: Anderson Veronique
Referee: Rodphin Harris
Wired868 Man of the Match: Kadeem Corbin (Wired868)
Results
T.L.H Rangers 4 (Jamal Creighton 6th, 57th, Kadeem Corbin 22nd, Keron Cummings 71st) vs Prison Service FC 1 (Leandro Subero 88th)
Latest Ascension Team Standings
Division One
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. Defence Force*8*7*1*0*20*4*22
2. Morvant Caledonia*7*7*0*0*19*6*21
3. Jabloteh*7*5*0*2*16*11*15
4. T L. H Rangers*6*4*2*0*25*4*14
5. Cunupia FC*8*4*1*3*16*12*13
6. Club Sando*8*3*1*4*14*12*10
7. Santa Rosa*7*3*1*3*13*15*10
8. Police FC*7*2*1*4*14*11*7
9. QPCC*7*1*4*2*8*13*7
10. Guaya United*8*2*0*6*6*18*6
11. Matura ReUnited*7*0*1*6*6*33*1
12. Prison Service*8*0*0*8*6*23*0
Division Two
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. Deportivo*8*6*1*1*41*9*19
2. San F'do Giants*7*6*1*0*23*3*19
3. UTT*8*5*3*0*22*11*18
4. Police FC*8*5*0*3*9*14*15
5. Moruga FC*8*3*2*3*14*10*11
6. Harlem Strikers*8*3*1*4*11*20*10
7. Uprising Youths*8*2*3*3*14*16*9
8. Bethel United*8*2*2*4*11*20*8
9. RSSR FC*7*2*1*4*8*10*7
10. P.V/D.M*8*2*1*5*6*11*7
11. Erin FC*8*2*1*5*8*18*7
12. Marabella*8*1*0*7*5*30*3
Upcoming Matches
Division One
Today
FC Santa Rosa vs San Juan Jabloteh, Arim Municipal Stadium, Arima, 6 pm
Tomorrow
Guaya United vs QPCC, Guaya Rec. Grd, 6 pm
Rangers vs Morvant Caledonia AIA, Phase II, La Horquetta Rec. Grd, 6 pm
On Sunday
Club Sando FC vs Defence Force, Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella, 4 pm
Prison Service FC vs Police FC, YTC Ground, Arouca, 4 pm
Cunupia FC vs Matura ReUnited, Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, 3.30 pm
-
Alexander, Jordan net for Caledonia Morvant.
By Rachael Thompson-King (Guardian).
A goal each from Joshua Alexander and Ryan Jordan helped Morvant Caledonia AIA continue its flawless run in Division One of the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament on Saturday.
Playing at Phase Two La Horquetta Recreation ground, the leader met Terminix La Horquetta Rangers FC, coming away with a 2-0 victory. It was the unit's eighth straight win for full 24 points to sit just ahead of closest challenger second-placed Defence Force with 22 points from eight matches.
Play in the first half was balanced between the teams as neither was fortunate enough to find the back of the net as the match remained scoreless at halftime.
On the resumption, it took Morvant Caledonia 12 minutes to go ahead thanks to Alexander in the 57th minute. His team rallied on with that lead for much of the second session until Jordan gave his team a comfortable lead, scoring in the 78th minute to go up 2-0 which Morvant Caledonia held on to when time expired.
At Guaya Recreation ground, Devon Modeste was no way intimidated by the host team scoring a hat-trick to lift Queen's Park Cricket Club (QPCC) to a 3-0 victory over Guaya United FC.
Modeste put his team out front with a pair of goals in the 26th and 30th minute to lead 2-1 at the half-way mark. Midway through the second half, he completed his and his team's third goal to earn QPCC, its second win of the competition after eight rounds of matches.
QPCC is in the eighth spot while Guaya, who sank to its seventh loss, sits in 10th place in the 12-team competition.
In the lone match on Friday night, San Juan Jabloteh was held by FC Santa Rosa to a 1-1 draw at the Arima Velodrome. Osei Sandy scored the opener in the 63rd but thanks to Jodel Brown, Jabloteh got the equaliser in the 75th.
In Division Two, the University of T&T (UTT) remains at the head of the table after sealing its sixth win from nine matches. Led by goals from Stevon Stoute in the eighth and Cyrano Glen in the 31st, UTT defeated Harlem Strikers, 2-0 at Frederick Settlement ground in Caroni.
RESULTS
Division I
Saturday
Terminix La Horquetta Rangers FC 0 vs Morvant Caledonia AIA 2 (Joshua Alexander 57th, Ryan Jordan 78th).
Guaya United FC 0 vs QPCC 3 (Devon Modeste 26th, 30th, 60th).
Friday
FC Santa Rosa 1 (Osei Sandy 63rd) vs San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Jodel Brown 75th).
Division II
Saturday
Club Sando Uprising Youths 6 (Rondel Phillip 12th, Kyle Celestine 18th, Shavon Daniel Diaz 30th, Kendell Davis 61st) vs Petit Valley/Diego Martin United 2 (Ishaq Abdullah 45th, Jahi Solomon 52nd)
Harlem Strikers 0 vs UTT 2 (Stevon Stoute 8th, Cyrano Glen 31st)
Erin FC 5 (Tyrese Reefer 31st, Israel Williams 40th, Shavon Frederick 47th, Keyon Alexander 72nd, Darron Alexis 84th) vs Bethel United FC 1 (Omarr Charles 82nd)
-
Morvant Caledonia eyes Ascension title.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
Morvant Caledonia AIA will hope to take a giant step towards claiming the $250,000 top prize in the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament Division One when they tackle Cunupia FC at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar from 3.30 pm on Saturday.
Currently, Morvant Caledonia sits atop the 12-team table with maximum 24 points from eight matches, two ahead of idle Defence Force who has played a match more followed by Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, Cunupia FC and San Juan Jabloteh with 17, 16 and 16 points respectively.
A win on Saturday for Morvant Caledonia will put them five points clear and needing to win one of their two remaining fixtures against Defence Force (September 18) and FC Santa Rosa (September 22) to claim the winners' cheque.
However, a victory or draw result for the "Stallions" will leave the door open for the stuttering Defence Force and the other hopefuls of reeling in the table leaders.
Elsewhere, Rangers will be at home to Police FC at Phase II, La Horquetta Recreation Ground, from 6 pm while Jabloteh entertains Guaya United at San Juan North Secondary Ground, Bourg Mulatresse Ground, San Juan from 4 pm, and on Sunday, Prison Service and Matura ReUnited will clash at Youth Training Centre Ground, Arouca from 4pm as well.
The chase for the $100,000 winners prize in Division Two is also far from over with Deportivo P.F and San Fernando Giants leading the table with 22 points from nine matches each, a mere point ahead of the University of T&T (UTT) while fourth-placed Police FC has 18 points.
Also, Saturday, UTT will host Giants at their UTT Campus O'Meara Road, Arima from 7 pm with the winners set to stake a further claim for the title while on Sunday, Deportivo P.F faces Moruga FC at Mahaica Oval, Pt Fortin from 5 pm, and Police makes the journey to Tobago to play Bethel United at Mt Gomery Ground.
Match Schedule
Division One
Today
T.L.H Rangers vs Police FC, Phase II, La Horquetta Rec. Grd, 6 pm
Jabloteh vs Guaya Utd, San Juan North Sec. Grd, San Juan, 4 pm
Cunupia FC vs Morvant Caledonia AIA, Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, 3.30 pm
Tomorrow
Prison Service FC vs Matura ReUnited, YTC Ground, Arouca, 4 pm
Division Two
Today
UTT vs San Fernando Giants, UTT Campus, O'Meara Rd, 7 pm
Erin FC vs Club Sando Uprising Youths, Erin Rec. Grd, 6.30 pm
Harlem Strikers vs Marabella Family C.C, Frederick Settlement Grd, 5.30 pm
Tomorrow
Deportivo P.F vs Moruga FC, Mahaica Oval, Pt Fortin, 5 pm
RSSR FC vs Petit Valley/Diego Martin Utd, Curepe Rec. Grd, Knowles St, Curepe, 4 pm
Bethel Utd vs Police FC, Mt Gomery Rec. Grd, 6 pm
Latest Ascension Team Standings
Division One
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. Morvant Caledonia*8*8*0*0*21*6*24
2. Defence Force*9*7*1*1*21*6*22
3. T L. H Rangers*8*5*2*1*29*6*17
4. Cunupia FC*9*5*1*3*20*13*16
5. Jabloteh*8*5*1*2*17*12*16
6. Club Sando*9*4*1*4*16*13*13
7. Santa Rosa*9*3*2*4*14*17*11
8. QPCC*9*2*4*3*11*17*10
9. Police FC*8*2*2*4*15*12*8
10. Guaya United*9*2*0*7*6*21*6
11. Matura ReUnited*9*1*1*7*8*37*4
12. Prison Service*9*0*1*8*7*24*1
Division Two
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. Deportivo*9*7*1*1*43*9*22
2. San F'do Giants*8*7*1*0*26*3*22
3. UTT*9*6*3*0*24*11*21
4. Police FC*9*6*0*3*12*15*18
5. Club Sando U/Youths*9*3*3*3*20*18*12
6. Moruga FC*9*3*2*4*14*13*11
7. Erin FC*9*3*1*5*13*19*10
8. Harlem Strikers*9*3*1*5*11*22*10
9. Bethel United*9*2*2*5*12*25*8
10. RSSR FC*8*2*1*5*8*12*7
11. P.V/D.M*9*2*1*6*8*17*7
12. Marabella*9*1*0*8*6*33*3
-
Rangers brush aside Parkites in Ascension.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
TERMINIX LA Horquetta Rangers brushed aside Queen’s Park 4-0 on Wednesday, in a rescheduled Division One clash, as the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament continued.
At the La Horquetta Recreation Ground in Arima, Rangers broke the deadlock courtesy of a 45th minute penalty from Jevon Morris.
Samuel Delice widened the lead in the 65th and national left-back Ross Russell jnr completed the win with items in the 89th and 90th minutes.
With the result, Rangers moved up to third spot with 17 points while the Parkites stayed in 10th place with 10 points.
In another rescheduled Division One match, Matura ReUnited notched their first win in the competition, courtesy of a 1-0 result over FC Santa Rosa. Gerald Meloney was the goal-getter for Matura, in the 45th.
Matches in both Division One and Division Two will continue this weekend.
STANDINGS
Division One
P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
Morvant Caledonia*8*8*0*0*21*6*24
Defence Force*9*7*1*1*21*6*22
La Horquetta Rangers*8*5*2*1*29*6*17
Cunupia FC*9*5*1*3*20*13*16
San Juan Jabloteh*8*5*1*2*17*12*16
Club Sando FC*9*4*1*4*16*13*13
FC Santa Rosa*9*3*2*4*14*17*11
Queen’s Park*9*2*4*3*11*17*10
Police FC (P/League)*8*2*2*4*15*12*8
Guaya United*9*2*0*7*6*21*6
Matura ReUnited*9*1*1*7*8*37*4
Prison Service*9*0*1*8*7*24*1
Division Two
P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
Deportivo P/Fortin*9*7*1*1*43*9*22
San Fernando Giants*8*7*1*0*26*3*22
UTT*9*6*3*0*24*11*21
Police FC (S/League)*9*6*0*3*12*15*18
Club Sando U Youths*9*3*3*3*20*18*12
Moruga FC*9*3*2*4*14*13*11
Erin FC*9*3*1*5*13*19*10
Harlem Strikers*9*3*1*5*11*22*10
Bethel United*9*2*2*5*12*25*8
RSSR FC*8*2*1*5*8*12*7
P Valley/DM United*9*2*1*6*8*17*7
Marabella Family CC*9*1*0*8*6*33*3
-
Cunupia hands Morvant Caledonia first defeat.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
Cunupia FC breathed new life into the race for the $250,000 top prize in the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament Division One on Saturday night after they trounced previously unbeaten leaders Morvant Caledonia AIA 3-0 at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.
Kevon “Showtime” Woodley extended his league-best goal tally to 11 with the 44th-minute go-ahead item for Cunupia in the blistering heat, while Hakeem Legall made it 2-0 in the 66th before Michael Darko added the third item two minutes from the final whistle for his fifth goal of the season.
Despite the loss, Morvant Caledonia AIA stayed atop the 12-team table with 24 points from nine matches, two ahead of idle Defence Force, while Cunupia FC improved to third spot with 19 points, level with San Juan Jabloteh and two more than Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, who fell 2-0 at home to Police FC at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground via strikes from Elijah Belgrave (89th) and Jameel Perry (90th).
In the other early match yesterday, Jabloteh whipped Guaya United 3-1 at San Juan North Secondary Ground, Bourg Mulatresse Ground, with Shaquille John scoring in the 20th and 39th minute and Sean Bonval in the 51st for the winners. Jody Allsop got a consolation item for Guaya United in the 92nd minute.
The University of T&T also made a bold statement in the chase for the $100,000 winner’s prize in Division Two with a 7-0 mauling of previous joint-leader San Fernando at the UTT Campus at O’Meara Road, Arima.
Leading the way for UTT were Kevaughn Connell and Dillon Bartholomew with two goals each.
Connell got his items in the 59th and 65th while Bartholomew fired home his items in the 84th and 88th for UTT, who now lead the table with 24 points from ten matches, two ahead of Deportivo PF and San Fernando Giants, who have matches in hand. The trio of Stevon Stoute (13th), Sheldon Nesbitt (79th) and Warren Chase 83rd added the others for UTT.
Results
Division One
Cunupia FC 3 (Kevon Woodley 44th, Hakeem Legall 66th, Michael Darko 88th) v Morvant Caledonia AIA 0
San Juan Jabloteh 3 (Shaquille John 20th, 39th, Sean Bonval 51st) v Guaya United 1 (Jody Allsop 92nd)
Police FC 2 (Elijah Belgrave 89th, Jameel Perry 92nd) v TLH Rangers 0
Division Two
UTT 7 (Stevon Stoute 13th, Kevaughn Connell 59th, 65th, Sheldon Nesbitt 79th, Warren Chase 83rd, Dillon Bartholomew 84th, 88th) v San Fernando Giants 0
Harlem Strikers 3 v Marabella Family Crisis Centre 0
Upcoming Fixtures
Division One
Tuesday, September 16
Police FC v Club Sando, Hasely Crawford Stadium, Training Field, 8 pm
Wednesday, September 17
Morvant Caledonia AIA v Defence Force, Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, 4 pm
TLH Rangers v FC Santa Rosa, Phase II, La Horquetta Rec. Grd, 6 pm
Thursday, September 18
QPCC v San Juan Jabloteh, St Mary’s College Grd, Serpentine Rd, St Clair, 4 pm
Division Two
Wednesday, September 18
RSSR FC vs San Fernando Giants, Curepe Rec. Grd, Knowles St, Curepe, 7 pm
Standings
Division One
Teams P W D L F A Pts
1. Morvant Caledonia 9 8 0 1 21 9 24
2. Defence Force 9 7 1 1 21 6 22
3. Cunupia FC 10 6 1 3 23 13 19
4. Jabloteh 9 6 1 2 20 13 19
5. T L. H Rangers 9 5 2 2 29 8 17
6. Club Sando 9 4 1 4 16 13 13
7. Santa Rosa 9 3 2 4 14 17 11
8. QPCC 9 2 4 3 11 17 10
9. Police FC 9 3 2 4 17 12 11
10. Guaya United 9 2 0 7 6 21 6
11. Matura ReUnited 9 1 1 7 8 37 4
12. Prison Service 9 0 1 8 7 24 1
Division Two
Teams P W D L F A Pts
1. UTT 10 7 3 0 31 11 24
2. Deportivo 9 7 1 1 43 9 22
3. San F’do Giants 9 7 1 1 26 10 22
4. Police FC 9 6 0 3 12 15 18
5. Harlem Strikers 10 4 1 5 14 22 13
6. Club Sando U/Youths 9 3 3 3 20 18 12
7. Moruga FC 9 3 2 4 14 13 11
8. Erin FC 9 3 1 5 13 19 10
9. Bethel United 9 2 2 5 12 25 8
10. RSSR FC 8 2 1 5 8 12 7
11. P.V/D.M 9 2 1 6 8 17 7
12. Marabella 10 1 0 9 6 36 3
-
Balthazar puts Army in control.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
Team captain Jerwyn "Bally" Balthazar was the toast of his Defence Force team-mates as he conjured up a winner five minutes into time added-on to secure a 1-0 triumph over Morvant Caledonia AIA and a one-point lead in the race for the $250,000 top prize in Division One of the Ascension Invitational Football League on Wednesday.
Both teams looked as though they would settle for a share of the points despite their valiant efforts, however, Balthazar, a former national futsal soccer player as well, had other ideas and fired in the decisive item to push his team to 25 points from 11 matches, one ahead of Morvant Caledonia AIA who suffered a second defeat on the trot in the process after a 0-3 loss to Cunupia FC at the same venue on Saturday last.
Team captain Jerwyn "Bally" Balthazar was the toast of his Defence Force team-mates as he conjured up a winner five minutes into time added-on to secure a 1-0 triumph over Morvant Caledonia AIA and a one-point lead in the race for the $250,000 top prize in Division One of the Ascension Invitational Football League on Wednesday.
Both teams looked as though they would settle for a share of the points despite their valiant efforts, however, Balthazar, a former national futsal soccer player as well, had other ideas and fired in the decisive item to push his team to 25 points from 11 matches, one ahead of Morvant Caledonia AIA who suffered a second defeat on the trot in the process after a 0-3 loss to Cunupia FC at the same venue on Saturday last.
Last night in Division Two, third-placed San Fernando Giants had a chance to go top of their table ahead of the final round of matches on Sunday with a victory against third from bottom RSSR FC at Curepe Recreation Ground, Knowles Street, Curepe.
Going into the match, Deportivo P.F led the table with 25 points from ten matches, one ahead of the University of T&T while San Fernando Giants sit third with 22 points and last night's encounter in hand.
On Sunday in the final round of matches, Giants and Deportivo P.F will meet at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Training Field, while UTT hosts Marabella Family Crisis Centre at O'Meara Road, Arima, both from 4 pm.
RESULTS
Yesterday
Defence Force 1 (Jerwyn Balthazar 95th) vs Morvant Caledonia AIA 0
On Tuesday
Club Sando 2 (Nion Lammy 18th, 48th) vs Police FC 1 (Kareem Freitas 68tth)
Latest Ascension Team Standings
Division One
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. Defence Force*10*8*1*1*22*6*25
2. Morvant Caledonia*10*8*0*2*21*10*24
3. Cunupia FC*10*6*1*3*23*13*19
4. Jabloteh*9*6*1*2*20*13*19
5. T L. H Rangers*9*5*2*2*29*8*17
6. Club Sando*10*5*1*4*18*14*16
7. Police FC*10*3*2*5*18*14*11
8. Santa Rosa*9*3*2*4*14*17*11
9. QPCC*9*2*4*3*11*17*10
10. Guaya United*9*2*0*7*6*21*6
11. Prison Service*10*1*1*8*11*27*4
12. Matura ReUnited*10*1*1*8*11*41*4
Division Two
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. Deportivo*10*8*1*1*53*9*25
2. UTT*10*7*3*0*31*11*24
3. San F'do Giants*9*7*1*1*26*10*22
4. Police FC*10*6*0*4*13*17*18
5. Erin FC*10*4*1*5*16*20*13
6. Harlem Strikers*10*4*1*5*14*22*13
7. Club Sando U/Youths*10*3*3*4*21*21*12
8. Moruga FC*10*3*2*5*14*23*11
9. Bethel United*10*3*2*5*14*26*11
10. RSSR FC*9*3*1*5*11*13*10
11. P.V/D.M*10*2*1*7*9*20*7
12. Marabella*10*1*0*9*6*36*3
Upcoming Matches
Division One
Today
QPCC vs San Juan Jabloteh, Dibe Rec. Grd, Long Circular, St James, 7 pm
RELATED NEWS
Footballers attack match referee.
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).
An investigation is underway to determine a possible course of action, if any, to deal with players of Morvant Caledonia United in Wednesday's top of the table clash in the Ascension Invitational Football League with Defence Force at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar Arima.
Video footage being circulated showed assistant referee Kirt Charles being assaulted by players from the Morvant Caledonia team while the match officials were making their way off the pitch.
It is uncertain what caused the altercation, but it is understood that players from the Eastern Stallions (Morvant Caledonia United) were furious over the Army's winning goal from Jerwyn Balthazar which appeared to have come from an off-side position in the 90+5 minutes of the match. Following the goal the players and supporters protested, nevertheless, the game was completed and the Morvant Caledonia players continued their protest of the goal with match referee Crystal Sobers and Charles.
But yesterday Guardian Media Sports was reliably informed by players from Defence Force that referee Sobers allegedly reacted to constant verbal challenges from the Morvant Caledonia players.
Her action led to an immediate reaction by the players, which then triggered Charles to spring into action to defend his fellow referee.
Video footage showed Charles at the end of a brutal attack, as players and officials from the Defence Force players making attempts to quell the matter.
When contacted by Guardian Media Sports on Thursday, Kyle Duprey who was the Match Commissioner, was reluctant to comment, saying the matter was being investigated by League officials. He explained, however, the match was professionally done by some of the country's top officials (Crystal Sobers - match referee; with assistants Kirt Charles and Ainsley Rochard). He said Morvant Caledonia players appeared to have been enraged with the last-minute goal, with such a hefty cash prize ($250,000) at stake.
Key official Richard Piper could not be reached for comment on Thursday. It is understood he had been engaged in meetings all day, trying to secure a legal opinion of how to treat with the matter. Piper had also been attempting to get the accounts of several eyewitnesses.
With the goal, the Defence Force won the game 1-0 and returned to the top of the standings with 25 points with one round of matches to go. They lead Morvant Caledonia United by one point going into their final game against Matura Re United on Sunday.
Caledonia will be up against FC Santa Rosa's 'Big Cannons', who were at the losing end of 7-0 drubbing by Terminix La Horquetta Rangers at La Horquetta.
-
Creighton, Corbin fire Rangers to 7-0 win.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
Jamal Creighton and Kadeem Corbin scored two goals each to lead Terminix La Horquetta to a 7-0 hammering FC Santa Rosa in a rescheduled Division One clash in the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament on Wednesday night.
A former national youth striker, Creighton opened the scoring in the 12th minute before national senior team winger, Ross Russell Jr made it 2-0 in the 32nd, followed by Creighton's second a minute into time added on at the end of the first-half for a 3-0 cushion.
It did not take long for Rangers to continue the onslaught in the second-half with Samuel Delice (64th) and Corbin (67th) firing in their fourth and fifth items in quick succession to put the result firmly beyond doubt.
Nine minutes from full-time Jomoul Francois extended the advantage to 6-0 before Corbin completed the scoring with his second of the night in the 87th-minute.
The victory lifted Rangers to the third spot with 20 points from ten matches, but out of contention for the $250,000 top prize which will be determined in Sunday's final round of matches, with leaders Defence Force and Morvant Caledonia AIA, the two teams in the hunt.
Defence Force leads the standings with 25 points from ten matches after eking out a 1-0 win over Morvant Caledonia AIA on Wednesday night to leave the latter second on the table a point behind, after losing their last two matches and missing the chance to clinch the title.
The duo of Cunupia FC and San Juan Jabloteh are joint fourth with 19 points, but the latter had a chance to go third on the table last night (Thursday) with a win over Queen's Park Cricket Club at Dibe Recreation Ground, Long Circular.
The runners-up in Division One will collect $125,000 while the third-place team will pocket $75,000.
Also on Wednesday night, in Division Two, third-placed San Fernando Giants had a chance to go top of their table ahead of the final round of matches on Sunday when they were due to meet third from bottom RSSR FC at Curepe Recreation Ground, Knowles Street, Curepe.
However, the match did not come off as scheduled and will now be determined by the Tournament Committee.
Currently, Deportivo P.F leads the table with 25 points from ten matches, one ahead of the University of T&T while San Fernando Giants sit third with 22 points.
On Sunday in the final round of matches, Giants and Deportivo P.F will meet at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Training Field, while UTT hosts Marabella Family Crisis Centre at O'Meara Road, Arima, both from 4 pm.
RESULTS
Wednesday
T.L.H Rangers 7 (Jamal Creighton 12th, 45th, Ross Russell Jr 32nd, Samuel Delice 64th, Kadeem Corbin 67th, 85th, Jomoul Francois 81st) vs FC Santa Rosa 0
Defence Force 1 (Jerwyn Balthazar 95th) vs Morvant Caledonia AIA 0
Tuesday
Club Sando 2 (Nion Lammy 18th, 48th) vs Police FC 1 (Kareem Freitas 68tth)
-
Footballers attack match referee
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)
An investigation is underway to determine a possible course of action, if any, to deal with players of Morvant Caledonia United in Wednesday's top of the table clash in the Ascension Invitational Football League with Defence Force at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar Arima.
Video footage being circulated showed assistant referee Kirt Charles being assaulted by players from the Morvant Caledonia team while the match officials were making their way off the pitch.
It is uncertain what caused the altercation, but it is understood that players from the Eastern Stallions (Morvant Caledonia United) were furious over the Army's winning goal from Jerwyn Balthazar which appeared to have come from an off-side position in the 90+5 minutes of the match. Following the goal the players and supporters protested, nevertheless, the game was completed and the Morvant Caledonia players continued their protest of the goal with match referee Crystal Sobers and Charles.
But yesterday Guardian Media Sports was reliably informed by players from Defence Force that referee Sobers allegedly reacted to constant verbal challenges from the Morvant Caledonia players.
Her action led to an immediate reaction by the players, which then triggered Charles to spring into action to defend his fellow referee.
Video footage showed Charles at the end of a brutal attack, as players and officials from the Defence Force players making attempts to quell the matter.
When contacted by Guardian Media Sports on Thursday, Kyle Duprey who was the Match Commissioner, was reluctant to comment, saying the matter was being investigated by League officials. He explained, however, the match was professionally done by some of the country's top officials (Crystal Sobers - match referee; with assistants Kirt Charles and Ainsley Rochard). He said Morvant Caledonia players appeared to have been enraged with the last-minute goal, with such a hefty cash prize ($250,000) at stake.
Key official Richard Piper could not be reached for comment on Thursday. It is understood he had been engaged in meetings all day, trying to secure a legal opinion of how to treat with the matter. Piper had also been attempting to get the accounts of several eyewitnesses.
With the goal, the Defence Force won the game 1-0 and returned to the top of the standings with 25 points with one round of matches to go. They lead Morvant Caledonia United by one point going into their final game against Matura Re United on Sunday.
Caledonia will be up against FC Santa Rosa's 'Big Cannons', who were at the losing end of 7-0 drubbing by Terminix La Horquetta Rangers at La Horquetta.
-
This tournament is under TTFA sanction, is it not? That being the case, unlike the La Brea incident, the TTFA wields disciplinary authority.
Present are the ingredients for an interesting outcome, especially with the Pro League kick-off date supposedly around de corner.
Ascension seems to be the one tournament that teams are actually likely to receive prize money and boi is that evident.
-
Jabloteh brush aside Parkites.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
SAN JUAN JABLOTEH brushed aside Queen’s Park 3-0 on Thursday, at the St Mary’s Ground in St Clair, in a rescheduled Division One contest in the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament.
Jair Edwards scored a pair, in the 35th and 38th minutes, while Kadeem Hutchinson netted the other item, in the 43rd.
Wednesday’s rescheduled Division Two match between San Fernando Giants and RSSR FC, at the Curepe Recreation Ground, ended in a 3-0 result for Giants, by default, after RSSR were unable to present playing uniforms at the designated kick-off time at 7 pm.
League action, in both Divisions One and Two, will end with matches tomorrow and Monday.
-
Ascension throws Morvant Caledonia out League.
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).
Morvant Caledonia United, the T&T Pro League campaigners which was on the verge of winning the Ascension Invitational Football League's $250,000 cash prize, was disqualified from having any further part in the tournament, for its player part in an alleged assault of match officials following a crucial match with Defence Force on Wednesday evening at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, Arima.
The ban came from Tournament Organizer Richard Ferguson, who in a release issued on Friday night, said the decision came after a thorough investigation of the incident.
Circulating video footage showed players from the Morvant-based team allegedly assaulting assistant referee Kirt Charles after the match, which ended 1-0 in favour of the Army Coast-Guard Combination team.
It is understood the Caledonia players were infuriated after the game's only goal scored by Jerwyn Balthazar was allowed to stand by referee Crystal Sobers.
Ferguson in his release said- "At match number 51, the home game of Caledonia against Defence Force, was played at the Larry Gomes Stadium on 18th September 2019. At the end of the game, there was an assault involving Caledonia players, team officials, match referees and assistant referee. The match commissioner subsequently made a report regarding the incident and an investigation was conducted by the competition manager and other officials of the tournament. The investigation included eyewitness accounts, video graphic evidence, statements from the match commissioner, the referee and the assistant referee, along with players, coaches and officials of Caledonia. After seeking legal advice and consulting the rules of the competition, along with FIFA rules, a decision was taken to disqualify Caledonia from the Ascension Invitational Tournament."
Contacted yesterday for a comment, Jamal Shabazz, Caledonia's chief cook and bottle - washer, said he had no comment to make. "Nobody in Caledonia has any comment to make on this matter. Let the Scribes and the Pharisees have their day. Our time will come," Shabazz explained.
Meanwhile, the assault on the match official was also condemned by the membership of the T&T Football Referee Association, through its General Secretary Boni Bishop.
A release from that organisation which also came on Friday stated, "The membership of the T&T Football Referees Association condemns in the strongest terms, the attack on the officials officiating the Morvant-Caledonia AIA vs Defence Force match played on Wednesday 18th September 2019. Match Officials provide a necessary service in the conduct of the game of football, making judgments on the match, in accordance with, the Laws of the Game."
It added, "Players and team officials do damage when they seek to pronounce on situations, which are provided for in the Laws, and worse when they react in ways which directly compromise the safety of our match officials. Such actions only help to bring the game into disrepute, and must be condemned by all parties which have an interest in the sport."
"The T&T Football Referees Association will support the strongest disciplinary action taken against the offenders in the situation which has been well-documented in video evidence. Failure to take serious action will create a precedent which can contribute to even more serious incidents in the future… this must be avoided at all cost."
The tournament enters its final round today with leaders Defence Force (25 points) set to clinch the title with a win over Matura ReUnited at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva from 4 pm. With Caledonia out, third-place Cunupia FC, with 19 points, can only battle for the runner-up spot of $125, 000 when they tackle Police 3:30 pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium. San Juan Jabloteh, who are also on 19 points, can wrestle the second-place prize if they win tomorrow against Terminix La Horquetta Rangers at La Horquetta from 6 pm.
MATCHES TODAY
Cunupia FC vs Police, 3:30 pm @Larry Gomes Stadium
Prison Service FC vs Guaya United FC, 4 pm @YTC Arouca
Defence Force vs Matura ReUnited, 4 pm @ Ato Boldon Stadium
QPCC vs Club Sando, 4 pm @ St Mary's College Grid
TEAMS*P*W*D*L*F*A*GD*PTS
1*Defence Force F.C*10*8*1*1*22*6*16*25
2*Morvant Caledonia AIA*10*8*0*2*21*11*10*24
3*Cunupia FC*10*6*1*3*23*13*19*22
4*Terminix La Horquetta Rangers F.C*10*6*2*2*36*8*28*20
5*San Juan Jabloteh*9*6*1*2*20*13*7*19
6*Club Sando F.C*10*5*1*4*18*14*4*16
7*Police F.C*10*3*2*5*18*14*4*11
8*F.C. Santa Rosa*10*3*2*5*14*24*-10*11
9*QPCC*9*2*4*3*11*17*-6*10
10*Guaya United F.C*10*2*0*8*7*24*-17*6
11*Prison Service F.C*10*1*1*8*11*27*-16*4
12*Matura ReUnited F.C*10*1*1*8*11*41*-30*4
-
Sancho: Positive developments.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
Ascension to sponsor re-branded Pro League…
THE TT Pro League is set to be re-branded as the United States clothing company Ascension will come on board as sponsor of the TT Pro League.
Ascension has been involved in domestic club football, as the sponsors of an Invitational Tournament which is expected to conclude by the end of this month.
Richard Ferguson, the brainchild of the Ascension Invitational Tournament, director of local pest control company Terminix and managing director of Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, yesterday confirmed that a sponsorship arrangement is in place for the Pro League, inclusive of television rights.
“There is a sponsorship arrangement,” said Ferguson. “There will be a launch and part of (the deal) is that we’ll be showing 20 matches on television. Ascension will be sponsoring the 20 matches.”
He continued, “We’ve bandied about some names and one of the names is the Ascension Premier League.”
According to a story on local website Wired868, the Ascension offer will be for one year only and Ferguson is expected to foot all production costs for the league’s coverage, which will likely be aired by regional sports channel SportsMax and a local entity.
Central FC’s owner and acting Pro League chairman Brent Sancho, is pleased with the positive approach shown by Ferguson towards the top-flight domestic competition.
“There has been some positive developments for the League,” said Sancho. “We’re very excited about the (forthcoming) season. We are now looking to put together a benefit game for Jason Marcano’s family, which should be the curtain-raiser for the season.”
Marcano, a former national midfielder, died in a vehicular accident in Arouca on May 30.
A week ago, the Pro League board rejected a proposal by the TT Football Association (TTFA), led by David John-Williams, to use FIFA Forward monies into the competition on the basis that the TTFA will oversee all funds due to the participating clubs, both from FIFA and subventions from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs.
Sancho, in a diplomatic tone, said, “We at the Pro League will never leave the door closed for anyone, inclusive of the TTFA. The TTFA has been good to the Pro League in the past and, of course, we will want to leave the door open. There (have) been some positive developments for the league and, so, we will continue to move forward.
“If it’s to move forward without the TTFA, then so be it. If things come to fruition and both entities can work a way forward, then so be it as well. We’re always willing to work and partner with the governing body.”
-
Footballers attack match referee
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)
An investigation is underway to determine a possible course of action, if any, to deal with players of Morvant Caledonia United in Wednesday's top of the table clash in the Ascension Invitational Football League with Defence Force at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar Arima.
Video footage being circulated showed assistant referee Kirt Charles being assaulted by players from the Morvant Caledonia team while the match officials were making their way off the pitch.
It is uncertain what caused the altercation, but it is understood that players from the Eastern Stallions (Morvant Caledonia United) were furious over the Army's winning goal from Jerwyn Balthazar which appeared to have come from an off-side position in the 90+5 minutes of the match. Following the goal the players and supporters protested, nevertheless, the game was completed and the Morvant Caledonia players continued their protest of the goal with match referee Crystal Sobers and Charles.
But yesterday Guardian Media Sports was reliably informed by players from Defence Force that referee Sobers allegedly reacted to constant verbal challenges from the Morvant Caledonia players.
Her action led to an immediate reaction by the players, which then triggered Charles to spring into action to defend his fellow referee.
Video footage showed Charles at the end of a brutal attack, as players and officials from the Defence Force players making attempts to quell the matter.
When contacted by Guardian Media Sports on Thursday, Kyle Duprey who was the Match Commissioner, was reluctant to comment, saying the matter was being investigated by League officials. He explained, however, the match was professionally done by some of the country's top officials (Crystal Sobers - match referee; with assistants Kirt Charles and Ainsley Rochard). He said Morvant Caledonia players appeared to have been enraged with the last-minute goal, with such a hefty cash prize ($250,000) at stake.
Key official Richard Piper could not be reached for comment on Thursday. It is understood he had been engaged in meetings all day, trying to secure a legal opinion of how to treat with the matter. Piper had also been attempting to get the accounts of several eyewitnesses.
With the goal, the Defence Force won the game 1-0 and returned to the top of the standings with 25 points with one round of matches to go. They lead Morvant Caledonia United by one point going into their final game against Matura Re United on Sunday.
Caledonia will be up against FC Santa Rosa's 'Big Cannons', who were at the losing end of 7-0 drubbing by Terminix La Horquetta Rangers at La Horquetta.
MLS fines Timbers owner Merritt Paulson $100K for referee abuse.
Associated Press
Portland Timbers owner Merritt Paulson has been fined $100,000 by Major League Soccer for "misconduct directed at match officials."
The fine stems from the Timbers' 2-2 draw with the New England Revolution on Wednesday night. Portland led 2-1 going into stoppage time, but New England was awarded a penalty after a video review and evened the score.
The foul was controversial because it came after the announced stoppage time had already expired, and the referees appeared to miss a similar foul that would have given Portland a penalty earlier.
MLS did not reveal the nature of the misconduct in announcing the fine Friday.
-
Defence Force, Sando Giants lift titles.
By Nigel Simon (Guardian).
Yohannes Richardson scored with the last strike of the match to earn San Fernando Giants a 1-0 win over favourites Deportivo P.F in their winner-take-all decider of the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament Division Two at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella on Sunday.
With the win, Giants ended with 28 points from 11 matches and took home $100,000 while the University of T&T which hammered Marabella Family Crisis Centre 9-0 ended in second place, a point behind for $65,000 while Deportivo slipped to third and collected $35,000.
Going into the final round of matches, both Giants and Deportivo P.F were joint top with 25 points from ten matches, one ahead of the University of T&T.
However, Deportivo P.F enjoyed a superior goal-difference to Giants, both on Sunday, with the teams seem headed for a draw and the title to UTT, Richardson conjured up a 90th-minute strike to the delight of his team-mates.
In Division One, Cunupia FC missed out on top-three finish after losing 2-1 to Police FC with the tournament top scorer, Kevon "Showtime" Woodley, scoring one goal and missing a vital second from the penalty spot for the losers. He finished with 12.
A win for Cunupia would have seen them leapfrog San Juan Jabloteh into third, but with defeat, Cunupia stayed fourth to ensure Jabloteh the $75,000 prize.
Tournament winners, Defence Force collected $250,000 while runners-up and host club, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers will receive $125,00.
RESULTS
Division One
On Friday
T.L.H Rangers 5 (Jamal Creighton 30th, Aikim Andrews 42nd, Ross Russell Jr 59th, 89th, Tyrone Charles 91st) vs Jabloteh 0
On Sunday
Prison Service 2 (Kylon Gay 33rd pen, Nathan Julien 86th) vs Guaya United FC 0
Police FC 2 (Keion Wilson 45th, Michael Darko o.g 71st) vs Cunupia 1 (Kevon Woodley 21st)
Defence Force 3 vs Matura ReUnited 0 - by default
Club Sando 2 (Keron Cornwall 51st, 90th) vs QPCC 0
Division Two
On Saturday
Bethel United 3 (Makan Hislop 72nd, Tee Jay Cadiz 80th, Azlmodeen Leith 84th) vs Harlem Strikers 1 (Matthew Lester 38th)
On Sunday
San Fernando Giants 1 (Yohannes Richardson 90th) vs Deportivo P.F 0
Erin FC 3 (Shakule Williams 49th, Jalen Bristol 75th, 85th) vs RSSR FC 2 (Micah Lansiquot 36th, Hakim Gulston 55th)
UTT 9 (Dillon Bartholomew 6th, Keshon Carter 34th, Stevon Stoute 50th, Kishun Seecharan 65th, 70th, 81st, Che Benny 67th, 79th, Stephen Richardson o.g 90th) vs Marabella Family Crisis centre 0
Police FC 2 (Colin Williams 50th, Keron Clarke 89th) vs Club Sando Uprising Youths 0
Petit Valley/Diego Martin United 3 (Kazim Donald 22nd, Calvi Grazette 74th, 80th) vs Moruga FC 2 (Keiron La Rode 53rd, Kervelle Turner 56th)
Final Ascension Team Standings
Division One
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. Defence Force*11*9*1*1*25*6*28
2. T L. H Rangers*11*7*2*2*41*8*23
3. Jabloteh*11*7*1*3*23*18*22
4. Cunupia FC*11*6*1*4*24*15*19
5. Club Sando*11*6*1*4*20*14*19
6. Police FC*11*4*2*5*20*15*14
7. Santa Rosa*11*4*2*5*17*24*14
8. QPCC*11*2*4*5*11*22*10
9. Prison Service*11*2*1*8*13*27*7
10. Guaya United*11*2*0*9*7*26*6
11. Matura ReUnited*11*1*1*9*11*44*4
NB: Morvant Caledonia AIA was disqualified after match day ten.
Leading Scorers
12 - Kevon Woodley (Cunupia FC)
9 - Jamal Creighton (La Horquetta Rangers)
8 - Shaquille John (San Juan Jabloteh),
6 - Devorn Jorsling (Defence Force), Jameel Perry (Police), Jomoul Francois, Ross Russell Jr (La Horquetta Rangers)
Division Two
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*Pts
1. San F'do Giants*11*9*1*1*30*10*28
2. UTT*11*8*3*0*40*11*27
3. Deportivo*11*8*1*2*53*10*25
4. Police FC*11*7*0*4*15*17*21
5. Erin FC*11*5*1*5*19*22*16
6. Bethel United*11*4*2*5*17*27*14
7. Harlem Strikers*11*4*1*6*15*25*13
8. Club Sando U/Youths*11*3*3*5*21*23*12
9. Moruga FC*11*3*2*6*17*25*11
10. RSSR FC*11*3*1*7*13*20*10
11. P.V/D.M*11*3*1*7*12*22*10
12. Marabella*11*1*0*10*6*45*3
Leading Scorers
10 - Kerville Jeremiah (San Fernando Giants), Kishun Seecharan (UTT)
9 - Andrei Pacheco (Deportivo P.F)
8 - Adan Noel (Deportivo P.F), Johannes Richardson ((San Fernando Giants)
7 - Stevon Stoute (UTT)
RELATED NEWS
San F’do Giants clinch Ascension Div Two in dramatic style, as Yohannes penalises Deportivo.
By Amiel Mohammed (Wired868).
Former Trinidad and Tobago National Under-20 Team midfielder Yohannes Richardson wrote his name into San Fernando Giants folklore yesterday evening as his late penalty ensured a sensational finish to the inaugural Ascension Invitational Tournament Division Two title race.
Richardson’s strike was all that separated the Giants from southern rivals, Deportivo PF, who started the game leading the Division Two standings. And, remarkably, it thwarted a third team from stealing the crown, as a draw between Giants and Deportivo would have seen both sides leapfrogged by UTT FC, who clobbered Marabella Family Crisis Centre 9-0 in their final outing of the season at O’ Meara.
Over in Division One, there was an anticlimactic air at the Diego Martin Sporting Complex as newly crowned champions Defence Force FC were awarded a 3-0 win over Matura ReUnited by default in their final fixture of the season.
Matura officials, according to the Ascension Tournament organisers, claimed that: “the majority of [our] players have just indicated that they are unable to make the game due to work…” It might have created a scandal if the Army/Coast Guard combination were not already assured of the title due to the expulsion of Morvant Caledonia AIA and a late stumble by San Juan Jabloteh, who were whipped 5-0 by Terminix La Horquetta Rangers on Friday night.
Jabloteh still managed to hold on to third place, though, as Police FC edged Cunupia FC 2-1 in Diego Martin.
The final placings meant Defence Force pocketed the TT$250,000 first prize while Rangers and Jabloteh are due TT$125,000 and TT$75,000 respectively.
In Division Two, the top three cash pots were TT$100,000, TT$65,000 and TT$35,000 respectively. And, at kick off, Giants and Deportivo PF each had 25 points with the former leading on goal difference while UTT had 24 points. It turned yesterday’s affair in Marabella into a must-win contest.
And, as UTT stars Kishun Seecharan and Che Benny rained goals on Marabella FCC, Richardson got the one that matter at the Mannie Ramjohn to settle an exciting title chase.
“We know that we had to score to win the Ascension League,” said San Fernando Giants head coach, Brian Williams, after the game. “I think the players have sacrificed a lot and I think a victory like this one, they just only deserve it […] I just want them to enjoy the moment.”
The match itself was a tense, fiery affair that offered up entertainment in the individual battles. Richardson seemed part Rolls Royce, part monster truck in the middle of the park as he continuously bested the Deportivo midfield trio of Hughton Hector, Andrei Pacheco and Justin Sadoo.
Meanwhile, talented youngster Judah Garcia—who played the first half as Deportivo’s lone striker—was often outmuscled and dwarfed by the towering Akido Joseph and robust Kern Edwards. Deportivo head coach, Reynold Carrington, said the tactical shift was an attempt to cope with the loss of Judah’s brother, Nathaniel, who took up a contract in India last week. But, as Carrington admitted after the game, his team didn’t play to its or Judah’s strengths enough.
“Early part of the game we tried to go too direct with the presence they had at the back,” Carrington said. “They had a very tall presence at the back, and I think only in the early part of the second half we tried to put the ball down. They were very solid in the defence and prevented us from a lot of openings.”
Carrington certainly could not say the same for his own defenders in the 22nd minute, as central defender Frae Gervais tried to dribble out of trouble in his box, only to lose possession and gift Giants a clear sight on goal.
Luckily for Gervais, San Fernando’s Tevin DeBoulet found Denzil Smith in top form as the goalkeeper parried his point-blank effort and then clawed the follow-up shot around the post with a brilliant right-handed save.
As the game wore on, clean sights at goal were rare, but with the title on the line, the tension was palpable.
Richardson’s influence grew as the clock ticked over, and he even bellowed a few disgruntled remarks towards his teammates for fluffing their lines after his good work.
“Yohannes is one of the true livewires of his team. I think he should even be knocking on the national team doors,” said coach Williams. “[He] is one of our key players and as you can see here today, he gave an energy to the team so the team then can play. We missed him and Kerville Jeremiah when we lost against UTT.”
There was not an ounce of misinformation in Williams’ evaluation too. Having Richardson and Jeremiah on the field offered a massive boost to Giants’ hopes. However, had Rashby Mc Phie not been in a lenient mood, they could have been down to 10 men with 20 minutes to play.
Deportivo midfielder Akeem Redhead had only been on the field for a few seconds when he was met with a horrendous lunging tackle from Edwards. Luckily for Giants fans, McPhie only flashed a yellow card.
Players were getting antsy now. The experienced Pacheco, under pressure, appeared to swing an elbow at San Fernando flanker Keston Grant. McPhie showed yellow yet again.
Tensions rising. Title and prize money at stake. Then came the big call. Penalty!
McPhie pointed to the spot instantly after he ruled that Gervais pulled Jeremiah down in the box.
Carrington later described it as a ‘soft penalty’ and an incensed Smith kicked the ball away in disgust at the decision. There was nothing ‘soft’ about the power and precision of Richardson’s subsequent penalty kick, though, as he rifled the ball into the corner.
With one kick, Richardson simultaneously slayed two teams as his effort would have provoked groans by not only Deportivo fans but from UTT’s as well.
Deportivo’s attempts to find an equaliser were in tatters when Pacheco received his marching orders for a second yellow. It was a bridge too far after that.
“I think coming at the end, we were definitely up for it. It just didn’t go our way today,” said Carrington. “Tough loss. Again, congratulations to San Fernando Giants.”
Bathed in the glory of victory, Williams was now keen to focus on the upcoming Super League season.
“Thanks to everybody. I think the Ascension League was a competitive one. Thanks to the Almighty and my staff. And we [are] looking forward to the Super League this year. And we try to take it step by step.”
(Teams)
Deportivo Point Fortin (4-2-3-1): 1.Denzil Smith (GK); 3. Steven Joseph, 4.Frae Gervais, 21.Ronell Paul, 5.Isaiah Garcia; 6.Justin Sadoo, 14.Andrei Pacheco; 2.Jeremiah Kesar (10.Akeem Redhead), 7.Hughton Hector (C), 9.Adan Noel (18.Elijah Alleyne); 11.Judah Garcia.
Unused substitutes: 12.Miguel Payne (GK), 16.J’van Smith, 19.Kevin Moodie, 22.Dale Bishop, 23.Jeremy Primus.
Head Coach: Reynold Carrington
San Fernando Giants (4-2-3-1): 35.Stefan Berkeley (GK); 28.Jamal DuBarry, 26.Akido Joseph, 4.Kern Edwards, 9.Keon Figaro; 5.Yohannes Richardson, 27.Odell Fitzallen (C); 21.Rayon Alleyne (2.Akiel Charles), 19.Tevin DeBoulet (11.Ken Bhola), 13.Keston Grant (23.Terrell Williams); 29.Kerville Jeremiah (3.Jezneel Duntin).
Unused substitutes: 7.Arvid Applewhite, 22.Denton Headley.
Head Coach: Brian Williams
Referee: Rashby McPhie
Man of the Match: Yohannes Richardson (San Fernando Giants)
Ascension Invitational Tournament
Division One results
(Friday 27 September)
Terminix La Horquetta Rangers 5 (Jamal Creighton 30, Aikim Andrews 42, Ross Russell Jr 59, 89, Tyrone Charles 90+1), San Juan Jabloteh 0 at Phase Two, La Horquetta;
(Sunday 29 September)
Prison Service FC 2 (Kylon Gay 33 pen, Nathan Julien 86), Guaya United 0 at San Juan North ground;
QPCC 0, Club Sando 2 (Keron Cornwall 51, 90+1) at St Mary’s College ground;
Cunupia FC 1 (Kevon Woodley 21), Police FC 2 (Keion Wilson 45+1, Michael Yaw Darko OG 71) at Diego Martin Sporting Complex;
Defence Force 3, Matura ReUnited 0 at Diego Martin Sporting Complex;
*—D/Force awarded result by default
Division Two results
(Saturday 28 September)
Bethel United 3 (Makan Hislop 72, Tee Jay Cadiz 80, Azimodeen Leith 84), Harlem Strikers 1 (Matthew Lester 38) at Mt Gomery Recreation Ground;
(Sunday 29 September)
UTT FC 9 (Dillon Bartholomew 6, Keshon Carter 34, Stevon Stoute 50, Kishun Seecharan 65, 70, 81, Che Benny 67, 79, Stephen Richardson OG 90), Marabella Family CC 0 at UTT, O’ Meara;
Police FC 2 (Colin Williams 50, Keron Clarke 89), Club Sando Uprising Y’ths 0 at Teacher’s Training College, Valsayn;
Petit Valley/D’go Martin Utd 3 (Kazim Donald 22, Calvi Grazette 74, 80), Moruga FC 2 (Keion La Rode 53, Kervelle Turner 56) at St Anthony’s College Ground;
Erin FC 3 (Shakquile Williams 49, Jalen Bristol 75, 85), RSSR FC 2 (Micah Lansiquot 36, Hakim Gulston 55) at Erin Recreation Ground;
San Fernando Giants 1 (Yohannes Richardson 90 pen), Deportivo PF 0 at Mannie Ramjohn Stadium Training Field.
-
$4M Ascension Football League awaits approval.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).
The 2020 season of the Ascension Invitational Football League (AIFL) is missing the approval of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee which is headed by chairman, Robert Hadad, for approval to kick-off.
Informational reaching Guardian Media Sports on Thursday is that the three-tier competition received authorisation from the Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), which was sent to the Hadad-led normalisation committee, who in turn is expected to relay the message via letter, to the organisers of the Ascension Football League.
According to a source close to the league, approval from CONCACAF was sought because the League was expected to culminate into a regional play-off among the Caribbean's top clubs, with three teams from T&T, and one each from Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica. The Ascension League is expected to mushroom into an 'Island Cup' play-off, however, this will be withheld this year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Guardian Media Sports reached out to Hadad via a WhatsApp message to find out if approval for the League had to come from his committee, and if authorisation had already been granted by the CONCACAF. However, up to press time, there was no response.
According to the source, the League could kick off a month after approval is given. "Once that happens, then the organisers will send out invitations to all the clubs in T&T to participate."
This year the tournament will be a three-tier competition with 10 teams in the top tier, likely to comprise of teams from the T&T Pro League: a second-tier which is set to feature 10 clubs from the T&T Super League and a third tier, which will comprise teams from the six Regional Associations - Northern, Southern FA, Eastern FA, Central FA, Tobago FA and the Eastern Counties Football Union (ECFU). The competitions will be based on a home and away format.
According to the source, "There will be prize monies totalling $594, 000. All referees will also be paid.
The tournament will also mark a return of Friday Night Football, as there will be live coverage of a doubleheader every week in the top tier, on regional Sports Television Network SPORTS MAX, from either the Diego Martin Sports Complex, the La Horquetta facility, which is the home ground of Terminix La Horquetta Rangers and the newly refurbished Police grounds, at the St James Barracks in Long Circular.
It is understood that attempts are also underway to have the live Friday night matches streamed on the internet as well as shown live by a local television station CNC3.
Meanwhile, W Connection Football Team, a multiple-times winner of the T&T Pro League and AC Port-of-Spain will take no part in the Ascension League. Contacted yesterday W Connection Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Renee John-Williams said a preliminary decision was taken that the club will not participate in the League this year, pending further receipt of information from the organisers, which could change their decision. "But thus far a decision was taken to not participate," John-Williams said.
The 'Savonetta Boys' as they are popularly known, did not take part in the tournament last year, along with the AC Port-of-Spain which is formerly North East Stars.
AC Port-of-Spain owner and managing director Ryan Nunes said he will first await confirmation from the normalisation committee before a decision is made at his club.
Defence Force won the league's 2019 League 1 competition, while San Fernando Giants won League 2. The League is managed and financed by Richard Ferguson, who is the owner of Terminix La Horquatta Rangers FC.
-
Ascension tournament to kick off August 14.
By Joel Bailey (Newsday).
THE second annual Ascension Football Tournament will kick off on August 14, with all local football clubs invited to compete.
This tournament will be the first major football event in T&T since the COVID19 restrictions have been eased by the Government.
Richard Ferguson, main organiser and managing director of Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, said on Tuesday, “We have been given the sanction from the TTFA (TT Football Association). We have invited every single men’s (club) in T&T to participate.”
Ferguson, who is also a certified chartered accountant said, “We’ll have three divisions. Division Three will be the (teams from the) zones, Division One should be mostly Pro League clubs, Division Two will be Super League clubs.”
Ferguson pointed out that teams will have until 4pm on Friday to register. There will be no registration, nor appearance fee, but teams will be vying for $494,000 in prize monies.
In the inaugural competition last year, Defence Force prevailed in the First Division and San Fernando Giants copped the Second Division.
This year, the tournament is set to run for 18 to 24 weeks, according to Ferguson.
Teams interested in competing in the 2020 Ascension Tournament may contact tournament director Kieron Edwards on WhatsApp at 327-6406 or by email at lee1jack@gmail.com.
The prize money at stake is:
Division One: TT$100,000 (first place), TT$50,000 (second place) and TT$20,000 (third place);
Division Two: TT$50,000 (first place), TT$24,000 (second place), TT$10,000 (third place);
Division Three (for each zone): TT$24,000 (first place), TT$10,000 (second place), TT$6,000 (third place).
-
Ferguson hails ‘Ascension II’, football competition returns with up to 92 teams and live broadcasts
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
The Ascension Tournament will again kickstart Trinidad and Tobago’s domestic calendar in 2020, as Terminix La Horquetta Rangers managing director Richard Ferguson confirmed an expanded competition is just three weeks away.
The Ascension Invitational debuted in 2019 with 24 clubs, competing in two divisions across Trinidad, chasing a combined TT$650,000 in prize money.
This year, Ferguson intends to take the Ascension nationwide as he extended invitations to all six football zones as well, while the tournament should include two rounds of action instead of just one.
The total prize money now stands at TT$494,000 but the overall cost looks set to double from TT$2.3 million in 2019 to an estimated TT$4.3 million, with as many as 92 clubs expected to be involved.
“We want everybody in Trinidad and Tobago to be able to play football,” said Ferguson. “We will run Division One and Two. Division Three will be run by the zones but we will pay for the referees and pay the prize money.”
Eastern Football Association (EFA) president Kieron Edwards will serve as tournament director—Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) director of football, Richard Piper, held that role last year.
Every single senior men’s team in the country, according to Ferguson, is invited to compete. Registration is free and the deadline for signing up is 4pm on 24 July.
The tournament is sanctioned by the TTFA and should run from 14 August to either December or early February, according to the number of participants.
The prize money at stake is:
Division One: TT$100,000 (first place), TT$50,000 (second place) and TT$20,000 (third place);
Division Two: TT$50,000 (first place), TT$24,000 (second place), TT$10,000 (third place);
Division Three (for each zone): TT$24,000 (first place), TT$10,000 (second place), TT$6,000 (third place).
Ferguson budgeted to pay the airfare for one Tobago team in the Division One and Two competitions respectively, apart from the ‘Sister Isle’ clubs that will compete in the Tobago Zone.
It is possible that the top two tiers may be reduced to 10 clubs each, according to the outcome of financial negotiations with referees.
“A big factor is the cost of referees,” said Ferguson. “[…] If I can’t get [their costs] down, I will have to go with 10.”
Ferguson will not sacrifice the zonal competitions, though.
“The zones are a very critical area, as it is a feeder for the second division and the first division,” said Ferguson. “And it can be run at a minimal cost, compared to everything else.”
Last year, the Ascension Invitational featured a weekly 30-minute round-up show, which was produced by Wired868 and broadcast on Flow Sports.
This season, there will be 18 double headers at the La Horquetta Phase II ground which will be broadcast live on cable television and at least one local channel, as well as streamed on the tournament website. (The production company for the 2020 tournament has not been selected yet.)
La Horquetta games will involve two rhythm sections—as opposed to one last season—and 12 dancers/cheerleaders. The venue itself has had another facelift, valued at TT$250,000, with refurbished stands, toilets and VIP room as well as new substitutes’ benches and electronic billboards.
“This is a watershed moment for local football,” said Ferguson. “The key is the tv. We are putting Trinidad and Tobago football on tv all over the world, which means more exposure for players.”
Current TTFA president William Wallace and his predecessor David John-Williams both promised three tier competitions under a single umbrella. Ferguson, again, beat them both to it by sourcing the money from Ascension—a largely unknown sports apparel company, which hopes to do business in the region.
In fact, the Terminix director said he is using the same TT$1.2 million promised to a revamped ‘Ascension Pro League’ to run the upcoming competition. Last September, the Pro League board agreed to Ferguson’s proposal for its competition, only to subsequently stall on the execution of their deal, with a TTFA election campaign in full swing that involved Wallace, Ferguson and John-Williams, who is the president of W Connection.
Connection was one of five clubs who voted not to go ahead with the Ascension Pro League along with San Juan Jabloteh, Morvant Caledonia United, AC Port of Spain and Point Fortin Civic.
“This is the same money we budgeted for the Pro League tournament that they choose not to execute,” he said.
The Ascension Pro League would have given clubs a share of the tournament’s income and television rights as well as an equal slice of a TT$500,000 cash pot.
In contrast, the Ascension Tournament offers free registration and potential prize money but no appearance fee.
Last season, W Connection, AC Port of Spain and Civic opted out of the Ascension Invitational competition. It is left to be seen whether they will play this year or wait again for the resumption of the Pro League.
Covid-19 restrictions means limited patrons. Ferguson estimated his income at La Horquetta last season at roughly TT$50,000 per game ‘between the bar and admission’. But, with football in a state of uncertainty, he again stepped forward with an offer.
He said the response from interested clubs so far, particularly in the lower divisions, has been overwhelming.
“People are crying out for football,” said Ferguson. “I have a professional team and they need to play football. And I feel it will set a very good example of what real professional football in Trinidad is like.
“[…] We would love to make it a permanent fixture within the football; and if you ask the clubs, most of them would want it to be a permanent thing.”
Ferguson scoffed at suggestions that he might walk away from local football due to his unsuccessful tilt at the TTFA presidency.
“Losing the elections doesn’t faze me,” said Ferguson, who claimed to have invested millions in the local game over the past two years. “We invested a lot of money in La Horquetta and we continue to invest.
“[…] I’m in football for the long term. You wouldn’t invest that kind of money and just walk away from it. I won’t get emotional about losing an election.”
Ferguson never misses an opportunity to discuss his swashbuckling Rangers team, which finished second in the 2019 Ascension competition as well as in last season’s First Citizens Bank Cup and Pro League respectively. He had their scoring statistics from each competition at the tip of his tongue.
“[…] This season, you will see a different Rangers—a totally different philosophy, strategy, tactics and play,” he said. “They’re gone up to another level.”
Last season, Defence Force lifted the inaugural Ascension Invitational top prize with Rangers and San Juan Jabloteh in second and third place respectively. Morvant Caledonia were controversially booted out of the competition after an altercation with match officials. They were second at the time.
San Fernando Giants won the second division followed by UTT FC and Deportivo PF.
They will now have the chance to defend their respective titles.
Once more, the Ascension Tournament will not ‘replace, restrict or substitute’ any current TTFA competition, which means that it would not get in the way if the Pro League or Trinidad and Tobago Super League decide to resume.
Last season, the TTFA, then headed by John-Williams, refused to sanction a second round of the competition. With two rounds and up to 24 weeks already guaranteed, the Ascension Tournament has already demonstrated its durability.
Editor’s Note: Teams interested in competing in the 2020 Ascension Tournament may contact tournament director Kieron Edwards on WhatsApp at 327-6406 or by email at lee1jack@gmail.com.
-
Ascension set for Friday kick-off pending final approval.
By Jelani Beckles (Newsday).
ASCENSION director Richard Ferguson is hopeful that the second annual Ascension Football Tournament will kick off on Friday, once the league gets final approval on Wednesday.
The Ascension League will include teams that normally compete in the TT Pro League and the TT Super League. The first division will feature teams predominantly from the TT Pro League, the second division will comprise teams from the TT Super League and the third division will include teams from the six zones throughout T&T.
Defence Force won the inaugural first division title in 2019 and San Fernando Giants won the second division.
Ferguson, speaking to Newsday on Sunday, said, “We due to start Friday coming, but we still have to get final confirmation from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Sport (and Youth Affairs). They have a meeting on Wednesday (and) once we get final confirmation from them we due to start on Friday.”
Ferguson is aware of the rise in covid19 cases in T&T, but with covid19 measures in place the competition can be played.
“We have our covid19 protocols to follow which is there will be no spectators, you have to wear masks, the temperatures of everyone will be tested before they play...the normal protocols for covid.” To date, T&T has recorded 279 cases of the virus.
Spectators will get the opportunity to get a taste of the action as matches will be shown on TV. “We are hoping to show it live on Sportsmax, a double header on Fridays and hopefully I believe games will be shown on TV6.” Ferguson said people could also stream matches live.
Once the league kicks off on Friday it will be the first major football competition locally since covid19 started to affect TT in March.
Ferguson, who is also the managing director of Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, said the official fixtures will be released after the meeting is held on Wednesday.
Ten teams will compete in the first division and ten will line up in the second division. A total of 70 additional teams are expected to battle in the six zones.
The league is expected to run for four months from August to December. Teams will play one match per week for the duration of the league with matches being held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
RELATED NEWS
Army, Giants set for Ascension play on Friday.
T&T Guardian Reports.
Providing Ascension Football League financer Richard Ferguson gets the final approval tomorrow from the relevant authorities, the 2020 season will get going on Friday with a double-header minus spectators at the Phase II Recreation Ground in La Horquetta from 6 pm.
In the opening match, the 2019 League Two winners San Fernando Giants, will kick-off League One action against former powerhouse Central FC while two hours later, reigning League One champions, Defence Force will do battle with Terminix La Horquetta Rangers FC.
Matches will we played on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only.
A sources close to the league operations told Guardian Media Sports on Monday that, the 2020 season of the Ascension Invitational Football League (AIFL) has gotten the approval of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee which is headed by businessman Robert Hadad, who is the chairman to kick-off and is now awaiting financial word from Ministry of Health and Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, as well as the Sports Company of T&T (Sportt) officials with regards to safety and health measures that need to be put in place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The league which is now in its second year and will see competition in three divisions, as compared to two last year, also got approval from the Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).
Both the League One and Two Divisions will comprise ten clubs each, while League Three will comprise of clubs from the Northern Football Association, Eastern Football Association, Tobago Football Association, Southern Football Association, Central Football Association, and the Eastern Counties Football Union.
According to a source, approval from CONCACAF was sought because the League was expected to culminate into a regional play-off among the Caribbean's top clubs, with three teams from T&T, and one each from Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica.
The Ascension League is expected to mushroom into an 'Island Cup' play-off, however, this will be withheld this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The source pointed out, "There will be prize monies totalling $594, 000. All referees will also be paid.
The tournament will also mark a return of Friday Night Football, as there will be live coverage of a double-header every week in the top tier, on regional Sports Television Network SPORTS MAX, from either the Diego Martin Sports Complex, the La Horquetta facility, which is the home ground of Rangers and the newly refurbished Police grounds, at the St James Barracks in Long Circular.
It is understood that attempts are also underway to have the live Friday night matches streamed on the internet as well as shown live by a local television station
Meanwhile, W Connection Football Team, a multiple-times winner of the T&T Pro League will take no part in the Ascension League.
The 'Savonetta Boys' as they are popularly known, did not take part in the tournament last year, while AC Port-of-Spain which is formerly North East Stars have entered this season, after also opting out last year.
-
FC Santa Rosa pulls out of Ascension League.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (Newsday).
FC SANTA Rosa has pulled out of all local football competitions for the remainder of 2020 as a precautionary measure to protect club personnel and staff from contracting covid19.
The club has opted to forfeit its participation in the Ascension Invitational League and any other tournament within this duration. Additionally, a decision will be made in the coming weeks regarding the club’s football school which comprises over 100 children.
With the second annual Ascension Invitational still awaiting confirmation by the Ministry of Health for an August 14 kickoff, FC Santa Rosa will not be featured this time around.
Club president Keith Look Loy confirmed the club’s decision to stay away.
“We took that decision in principle several weeks ago and we were monitoring the situation. When we saw the rapid spike and increase in cases, our motto right now is life before football. We cannot, in good conscience, expose players, coaches and officials to these health risks. FC Santa Rosa is observing the situation and will be guided by further information from the Ministry of Health,” said Look Loy.
The TT Super League president also revealed that Matura FC, Erin FC and Queen’s Park have also chosen to omit themselves from the Ascension tourney due to similar circumstances.
With the competitive youth season also pushed back courtesy the novel virus, FC Santa Rosa currently awaits a decision by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education on the resumption of school and extracurricular activities.
Depending on how the situation evolved, the club would only then know how to proceed with its school programme.
“We have a football school with well over 100 children. We’re going to keep looking at this and as much as we can stay in line with the government regarding the reopening of school. We remain vigilant and will make a decision on that as well. If you can’t control adults, you have no chance of controlling kids. The decision is we are not playing adult football and we’re going to finalise our decision on the football school in the coming weeks,” he added.
Look Loy also called on national sporting organisations to let good sense prevail before sending children back out to play sport. Due to coronavirus, the National Youth League was also cancelled in July.
“Every sporting organisation needs to make up its mind on how it wants to proceed with covid19. We are not telling people don’t play football but FC Santa Rosa has taken a public decision to not play. We can’t expose our people to this virus,” he said.
With schools still on vacation, club age group representative teams would have still been playing in the Youth League at this time. However, FC Santa Rosa remains committed to protecting their players, officials and staff and plans to resume domestic competition in 2021.
“The club hasn’t (kicked) a ball since March. If it is, this is what has to be done to safeguard our members, then so be it,” he concluded.
-
Ferguson: Brace for Friday night football! Six Pro League teams confirmed for 2020 Ascension.
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
The Trinidad and Tobago domestic football calendar should resume on Friday 14 August—pending a final meeting with the Ministry of Health—with 20 clubs ready to kick off in the Ascension Tournament and more than twice that number awaiting start dates in their respective zones.
Central FC are scheduled to open the competition against 2019 Ascension Division Two winners San Fernando Giants from 6pm at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground in Phase II. Reigning Division One champions Defence Force face last season’s runners-up, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, from 8pm at the same La Horquetta venue.
Last season, Wired868 produced a half-hour round-up of the Ascension competition, which was carried on Flow Sport. However, this year, there will be live double headers carried every Friday evening on SportsMax and streamed live online. TV6 is also expected to broadcast at least one match each Friday.
Ascension director Richard Ferguson, who is also managing director of Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, said local football fans should prepare for an exciting competition with ‘a lot of attractive football’.
The prize money at stake is:
1. Division One: TT$100,000 (first place), TT$50,000 (second place) and TT$20,000 (third place);
2. Division Two: TT$50,000 (first place), TT$24,000 (second place), TT$10,000 (third place);
3. Division Three (for each zone): TT$24,000 (first place), TT$10,000 (second place), TT$6,000 (third place).
“This tournament will be unprecedented in terms of the prize money on offer—Ascension is the only football competition in the country that pays prize money,” Ferguson told Wired868. “And the big thing this year is it will be on television. Every Friday night, there will be a double header carried live on SportsMax and on the internet; and I think TV6 will also carry one of those games. That is the big change this year.”
Ferguson and tournament director Kieron Edwards, who is also the Eastern Football Association (EFATT) president, are due to meet representatives from the Ministry of Sport and Health and the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) on Tuesday and Wednesday to go over the Ascension’s health safety measures.
Ferguson is prepared to postpone the competition, if necessary. But, once granted clearance, he said it will be full steam ahead for the top two divisions.
The zonal divisions are likely to face delays as they seek to convince authorities of their ability to secure community grounds, so as to stop congregation of supporters in contravention of public health guidelines. However, Ferguson is proud to include the zones, for the first time, and will make every effort to help them start their respective divisions.
The past and present Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) administrations sought to have a tiered competition that included Pro League and Trinidad and Tobago Super League (TTSL) teams under a single umbrella. Ferguson noted that ‘Ascension has come along and achieved that first’.
Still, from the 24 teams that participated in 2019, only 12 returned this year.
San Juan Jabloteh, Morvant Caledonia United, Club Sando, FC Santa Rosa, QPCC, Prison Service, Guaya United, Matura ReUnited, Erin FC, Harlem Strikers, Club Sando Uprising Youths and Marabella FCC all declined invitations to return.
Edwards suggested that ‘financial difficulties’ was the main problem. Although clubs do not have to pay registration fees, transport costs were allegedly cited as an issue—particularly in the current lean economic climate.
Wired868 asked officials from Morvant Caledonia, Jabloteh and Club Sando for comment. Only Morvant Caledonia co-founder and technical director Jamaal Shabazz responded by the time of publication.
“We do not have the resources to play the Pro League and Ascension competitions and they will overlap,” said Shabazz. “So with the youngsters we have and the plan for the Pro League to start in September, it gives us more time to groom our youths.”
Shabazz hinted too that there might be lingering ill feelings, after they were booted out of the 2019 competition following an altercation with two match officials. The ‘Eastern Stallions’ were in second place at the time.
“We do not think we will be missed by anyone in the Ascension league,” said Shabazz. “Morvant Caledonia is not a favourite team—even among fellow clubs in the league.”
Defence Force, San Fernando Giants, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, Cunupia FC, UTT FC, Deportivo PF, Police FC, Bethel United, Moruga FC, RSSR FC, Petit Valley Diego Martin United (PVDMU) and the Police FC Pro League and TTSL outfits have all returned to the Ascension Tournament, though.
They are joined by Pro League teams Central FC and AC Port of Spain, TTSL outfit Tobago 1976 FC Phoenix, zonal clubs Malabar FC, Valencia Lions FC, Central Soccer World and Miscellaneous Laventille United, and new Diego Martin-based outfit Real West Fort, which is led by former national coach Ron La Forest.
Phoenix and Bethel will play all their games in Trinidad, with their airfare funded by the league.
Edwards said the Valencia Lions were the last Eastern Counties (ECUTT) champions while Soccer World were Central Zone winners for the last two seasons and Miscellaneous Laventille were Northern FA champs in 2018 and the TTFA’s Champion of Champions winner in 2019.
The Ascension Tournament has 10 teams in each of the two top divisions in 2020, while the competition comprised of 24 teams last year.
Round One Fixtures
(Friday 14 August)
Central FC v San F’do Giants, Div 1, 6pm, Phase II, La Horquetta;
Defence Force v TLH Rangers, Div 1, 8pm, Phase II, La Horquetta;
(Saturday 15 August)
Tobago FC Phoenix v AC POS, Div 1, 5pm, D’go Martin Sporting Complex;
Real West Fort v Cunupia FC, Div 1, 7pm, D’go Martin Sporting Complex;
(Sunday 16 August)
Police FC v Deportivo PF, Div 1, 5pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;
UTT FC v Police FC (S/L), Div 2, TBC;
Moruga FC v Misc Laventille, Div 2, TBC;
Malabar FC v RSSR FC, Div 2, TBC;
Bethel Utd v PVDM Utd, Div 2, TBC;
Valencia Lions v Central Soccer, Div 2, TBC.
Editor’s Note: The venue and kick off times for Division Two matches were not yet released by the Ascension Tournament.
-
soooooooo
did they get approvals?
If so, what were the specifics?
What games gonna be televised if they get the go-ahead
and honest question here.....how does West Fort get into Div. 1 as a new entrant?
-
Ascension Football League on hold.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (Newsday).
THE ASCENSION Invitational League has been postponed, pending final approval by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Roshan Parasram.
Tournament organiser Richard Ferguson confirmed the committee’s last-minute decision, on Wednesday, to delay the tournament’s second staging after seeking advice from Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith.
The much anticipated competition was scheduled to kick off with a double-header at Phase II Recreation Ground in La Horquetta on Friday from 6 pm.
“We have been advised by the Commissioner of Police that we must attain approval from the CMO first, if we are to proceed. This is the message Mr Griffith has passed on to us so we’re in the process of trying to get it done. The tourney is therefore, postponed until we receive this confirmation,” said Ferguson.
The Terminix La Horquetta Rangers technical director remains uncertain when such a decision would be made pending the swearing-in of the new Cabinet by the re-elected Government.
“We are trying for next week but as you know right now there’s no Minister of Health so Dr Parasram may not be able to act on this matter at the moment,” he added.
Ferguson has been communicating with the health ministry over the past week but was yet to receive an official response due to the general elections on Monday.
He, however, remains confident the Ascension Invitational will get underway since organisers have implemented several protective measures to ensure players and officials abide the Government’s guidelines for sporting events.
All matches will be played without spectators. He affirmed players have been mandated to receive temperature checks before entering the field of play while off-field officials and staff must wear a mask throughout the entire duration of the game.
“We are following the mandated protocols regarding no spectators so we are not breaking the law. We have sent messages outlining our protocols to Ministry of Health and also invited their suggestions or change,” he said.
On Friday, 2019 League Two champions San Fernando Giants were scheduled to do battle against Central FC. Two hours later, reigning Ascension Invitational League One champions Defence Force were expected to meet 2019 runners-up Terminix La Horquetta Rangers FC.
According to Ferguson, the four teams had already confirmed their participation at Friday’s welcome resumption.
“We were in contact with the teams and they were ready to go. Everyone had already signed their contracts and all players were registered. We wanted to be careful and not stir up any trouble with Ministry of Health so our safety protocols remained top priority,” he continued.
Ferguson reiterated the committee’s commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for the resumption of the league.
“Teams such as Police and Defence Force confirmed participation so we know they would have been given approval by the Commissioner of Police. We remain stern in our decision to observe all the required protocols lay down by the T&T Government,” Ferguson concluded.
RELATED NEWS
Ascension Tournament on hold; Griffith advises organisers to liaise with CMO first.
By Lasana Liburd (Wired868).
The Ascension Tournament has been postponed, following advice from Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith, until the tournament protocols are reviewed by Chief Medical Officer Dr Roshan Parasram.
Griffith met with Ascension organisers yesterday and urged them to liaise with the Ministry of Health before proceeding, so as to avoid a repeat of the Central T10 cricket tournament fiasco.
Last week, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), on Griffith’s person orders, shut down the cricket competition in Charlieville for breaching the Public Health (2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCOV) Regulations. A probe was also initiated into the conduct of police officers who were not only present at the event but participating as well.
The cricket contest attracted a large crowd that, according to a TTPS statement, caused ‘a traffic nightmare’ along Pierre Road.
“I recommended that [the Ascension Tournament organisers] seek guidance from the Ministry of Health to ensure that they comply to the restrictions,” Griffith told Wired868, “hence avoiding possible police intervention and being shut down, as we were forced to do in the T10 Cricket Tournament last week—which the Police team would have won, by the way.”
Ascension director Richard Ferguson confirmed that the competition is now on hold ‘pending approval from the CMO’. Ferguson dispatched the tournament protocols by email this morning.
The Ascension Tournament, which involves two tiers of 10 clubs each plus the respective zonal divisions, was due to kick off on Friday with a Division One double header at La Horquetta Recreation Ground in Phase II featuring Central FC versus San Fernando Giants from 6pm and Defence Force against Terminix La Horquetta Rangers from 8pm.
The Friday night games will be broadcast live on SportsMax and streamed on the tournament website while TV6 is expected to air the second match of the double header.
Griffith stressed though that the TTPS cannot stop a sport event before time, as it is not illegal to play—even during the pandemic. The potential issue lies in the congregation of supporters.
However, the Ascension Tournament has already outlawed supporters from matches, which will be played at closed stadia. Among other safety protocols are:
1. All technical staff members must wear masks and observe physical distancing;
2. Temperature checks are mandatory before games;
3. Teams will be asked to remain on the field at half-time (weather permitting).
“There is nothing that can stop [the Ascension Tournament] from going on,” said Griffith. “But I strongly recommended that they contact the Ministry of Health to assure them that everything is within the guidelines set out by the CMO.
“I think that is important for the event to be a success.”
Griffith and Parasram were at loggerheads over the former’s plans to hold the Commissioner’s Cup, which is a nationwide football youth tournament. In the end, despite the CMO’s concerns, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said it was fine to play so long as spectators were reduced to groups of 10.
In the end, Griffith opted to postpone the TTPS competition until 2021.
Ascension Tournament teams
Division One:
AC Port of Spain, Central FC, Cunupia FC, Defence Force, Deportivo PF, Police FC, Real West Fort, San Fernando Giants, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, Tobago 1976 FC Phoenix.
Division Two:
Bethel United, Central Soccer World, Malabar FC, Miscellaneous Laventille, Moruga FC, Petit Valley Diego Martin United, Police FC (S/L), RSSR FC, UTT FC, Valencia Lions FC.
-
things must come back to normal people
-
Coaches agree with Ascension postponement.
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (Newsday).
PARTICIPATING clubs of this year’s Ascension Invitational League are in agreement with the committee’s decision to postpone today’s kickoff pending final approval by the Ministry of Health.
Even though coaches Michael De Four (Cunupia FC) and Ron La Forest (Real West Fort United) have been fine-tuning their respective squads in anticipation of today’s return to competition, the pair acknowledges that player and staff safety remains the top priority.
The second edition of the league was scheduled to get underway with a double-header at Phase II Recreation Ground, La Horquetta.
However, on Wednesday, tournament organiser Richard Ferguson was advised by Commissioner of Police Gary Griffith that he must attain approval from Chief Medical Officer Roshan Parasram.
This consent has now been forcibly placed on the backburner pending the swearing-in of the new Cabinet by the re-elected Government.
While in agreement with the league’s decision, all participating teams are raring to go. Today’s matches would have seen San Fernando Giants up against Central FC followed by reigning Ascension Invitational League One champions Defence Force facing 2019 runners-up Terminix La Horquetta Rangers FC.
On Saturday, Cunupia FC and Real West Fort United were scheduled to lock horns in battle.
“Our preparations have been going good for us and we were ready to start on Saturday. The additional time augers well for us to have more time to prepare. We were really looking forward to the start of the league. They said the league would be postponed for one week. It’s a very understandable situation. The entire world is still sceptical to return to normalcy and we should be too,” said La Forest.
Meanwhile, De Four shared similar sentiments and applauded league officials for taking such a bold step to push back the tourney. With the recent spike in covid19 cases, he believes organisers made the right choice to safeguard those involved with the Ascension Invitational.
“Right now, we understand that there’s a spike in covid19 cases and that the Government, who we feel has done a good job up to recently, has to take the necessary precautions. The players will understand. The virus is hitting us head-on and we must take preventative measures. We were and still are excited to come back out to play, in spite of all that is happening,” said De Four.
Even if the tournament gets cancelled due to continued spread of the novel virus, De Four believes teams will turn their attention to the TT Pro League, which is scheduled to start at the end of September.
Likewise, there is a possibility the TT Pro League may also get pushed back or cancelled if local coronavirus spread continued at its current pace.
-
Eternal optimism writ large regarding the Pro League.
-
No play: 2020 Ascension tourney off; Pro League doubtful
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)
THERE will be no Ascension Invitational football in 2020 and unlikely to be a Trinidad and Tobago Pro League competition, due to the continued onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It just not prudent,” Terminix La Horquetta Rangers official and Ascension Invitational organiser Richard Ferguson told the Express. “I think most likely it should start around late February. The last week in February. I think that is what we are looking at.”
A second wave of the Covid-19 outbreak has shut down league football in the Czech Republic. However, in England where the Government is to begin a second national lockdown today, the world’s most popular and lucrative football league—the Premier League—has so far been spared, although non-essential shops, restaurants, pubs and leisure facilities are being closed for at least four weeks.
Given the daily infection rate in T&T, Ferguson believes it’s not smart business to have a 2020 tournament. He added that all is in place for the start of the competition, but the virus makes it prudent to wait further.
“It’s not looking viable, there is too much Covid-19 virus going around,” he said. “We have all the approvals. We have contracts signed up with the clubs, SportsMax and TV6 and so.”
Ferguson continues to pay his players, although they are not training. However, he noted that some of his players are high-risk and have not been socially responsible, posting videos of themselves at Covid parties, minus face masks and not observing social distancing protocols.
Having personally known two persons who have died from the virus, Ferguson said it made little sense to either have his staff or others exposed to the ravages of Covid-19.
“Even if the Prime Minister in his wisdom decides to open up (allowing football to resume), I am not doing it,” Ferguson declared.
Pro League uncertain as well
The TT Pro League will also not likely start until next year. Like Ferguson, Pro League acting chairman Brent Sancho is concerned about increasing instances of Covid-19 infections. The Pro League was originally projected to start in September.
“We were ready to go along (with resuming football), from the Ascension Invitational, into the Pro League, but we (Trinidad and Tobago) have not been able to open up,” stated Sancho.
Speaking as the Central FC owner, Sancho said: “We are talking about players being off for eight months. Then there is the Christmas season coming up, and we do not know what the restrictions will be then, and so we have to be mindful of that.”
Sancho said discussions are still being held among clubs, although the Government’s final year of a three-year arrangement with the Pro League has still not been finalised. But Sancho felt that pronouncements from Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and Sport Minister Shamfa Cudjoe during the recent FIFA/TTFA dispute indicate an interest in the well-being of the sport.
“If I was to gauge, the Government showed their interest in the sport by obviously trying to guide the process that was happening. So, I would suspect that was a good sign and hopefully now they understand the importance of football in the country and they would like to be part of whatever is going on next,” he said.
-
Episode 1
https://www.youtube.com/v/BcVuinWPXYM
-
Episode 2
https://www.youtube.com/v/KYOTsfyxd3E
-
Episode 3
https://www.youtube.com/v/bEp_sz9pk6M
-
Episode 4
https://www.youtube.com/v/qGh7LRICsHc
-
Episode 5
https://www.youtube.com/v/wVZRlFtaFFY
-
Episode 6
https://www.youtube.com/v/gI_nLMaEHlc
-
Episode 5
https://www.youtube.com/v/wVZRlFtaFFY
RE: The comments from ~11:30 ... Has no middle ground been achieved?
And, how likely is it that Rangers will see conpetitive action any time soon?
-
$5m Ascension Football League targets September kick-off.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).
The long-awaited Ascension Football Tournament, which caters for all football in T&T, inclusive of the T&T Pro League, the T&T Super League, the Regional Associations (Northern FA, Southern FA, Eastern FA, Central FA, Eastern FA), the Women's Football League (WoLF), Beach Football and Futsal, is now set for a September start.
Ascension's Football Director Keiron Edwards confirmed that approval to run the tournament was given last year, and now with the vaccination drive a necessity to have action on the field of play, his group has been putting everything in place for the go-ahead by the government.
FIFA-installed Normalisation Committee chairman Robert Hadad had expressed a desire to have a Unified League of the T&T Pro and Super League, which was set to rival the Ascension tournament this year. Efforts to start this Unified League began in 2019 with officials from UEFA, CONCACAF, FIFA and the T&TFA having discussions, but this however never materialised.
Edwards told Guardian Media Sports on Wednesday: "Ascension is looking at playing in 2021, hopefully, once the restrictions are lifted and play is allowed to resume, we would be looking at playing the Ascension League. We did get sanction by Robert Hadad and the Normalisation Committee and by extension the T&T Football Association to have the League played. We were in the process of executing that sanction when the government halted all sporting activities and we put a halt on the League. Once that resumes, we're hoping to have that League held, similar to the Euros that is currently taking place."
He also said: "Further to that we're having discussions with clubs on vaccination among the playing population, the Pro League, Super League, the zonal levels, where clubs are now collecting data to see how many players are comfortable with taking the vaccines, how many players are hesitant to take the vaccines, and if we can do an educational programme, in terms of the importance of the vaccines and what it really means."
Guardian Media Sports was also informed that once the League gets going all players, who have been inactive for almost two years, will get the opportunity to earn a living, as well showcase their talent to local selectors, with an aim of being picked on the national teams.
Edwards made it clear the idea behind the Ascension was born out of the inability of the T&T Pro League to have action back in 2019. But since its successful staging in which the winning club- Defence Force, received a whopping $250,000 prize.
The tournament will feature coverage from regional cable television network Sportsmax, live coverage from a local television station and other providers.
-
Edwards wants Ascension League start in October
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)
All is being done in anticipation of an October start to the Ascension Invitational Football League, this year.
Keiron Edwards, the La Horquetta Rangers general manager said he is hoping to ensure that all T&T Football Association's (TTFA) member clubs reach a point of at least full vaccination soon, to bolster their chances of having football.
On July 25, Edwards who also holds the position of president of the Eastern Football Association (EFA), said all the Rangers players, coaches, and other staff were either fully vaccinated or had received their first dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine. The intention now is to ensure that all other club members receive their vaccines.
The Ascension League will cater for nearly all divisions of football in T&T, inclusive of the T&T Pro League and Super League; the six Regional Associations - such as the EFA, Northern FA, Southern FA, Central FA, Tobago FA, and the Eastern Counties Football Union (ECFU); Futsal; and the Women's Football League (WoLF).
However, a proposal for an Under-20 League is now gaining the attention of the FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee. The League (U-20), has been organised by officials of Club Sando and its sponsor Tiger Tank, Edwards has said, but it is uncertain when it will get going.
The proposal is said to be in the hands of the normalisation committee chairman Robert Hadad, who is out of the country, attending the CONCACAF Gold Cup in the United States. But Edwards and Brent Sancho, interim chairman of the T&T Pro League, are both convinced that the U-20 tournament has won the heart of Hadad, and is certain to be approved.
Edwards and Rangers received approval last year to hold the Ascension League from the normalisation committee, but now he said the organisers are confused after Hadad, told Andre Baptiste during a TV interview in June that no permission would be granted to individuals to hold competitions this year.
He believes that the Under-20 tournament should not be approved if the Ascension Leagues is not given similar approval.
Guardian Media Sports was reliably informed that Hadad held a meeting with the pro league clubs, as well as Clayton Morris, president of the T&T Super League (TTSL) to garner support for the U-20 competition.
From that meeting, the clubs were all given the option to field a team in the tournament if they can.
Edwards said he wrote to Hadad last week and awaits a meeting with the local football boss on his return to the country.
-
Ready to ascend: Caledonia coach admits losing inactive players to negative influences
By Ian Prescott ((T&T Express)
Caledonia AIA head coach Jamaal Shabazz is losing the fight to keep his players away from negative influences and is desperately hoping for a quick restart to local football.
Given Government clearance to restart team sport, Shabazz is among the local club owners and coaches hoping local football can resume via the rich Ascension Invitational Tournament.
Tentatively due to kick off in September or October, the competition seems to have hit a snag, as FIFA normalisation committee chairman Robert Hadad allegedly indicated, via radio interview, that he is no longer willing to sanction the Ascension tournament, after initially sanctioning the tournament a year ago.
“I am battling with gang leaders, marijuana and puncheon (rum), who are fighting me for my players,” Caledonia coach Shabazz bluntly declared. “I am starting to lose the battle. I already lose two players. They cross the floor. They had gone over to the illegal side.”
Shabazz admits that his case is acute, coming from the hot spot area of Morvant and Caledonia, where most of his talent is drawn.
“Club Sando have outlined their intention to run an U-20 league, and along with the Ascension league, those are the two leagues we will focus on, providing we get government medical clearance. We have no problem with Ascension football, personally or professionally.”
Contacted yesterday, Ascension Invitational organiser Richard Ferguson indicated that the only hindrance to restart local football are Government’s go-ahead to resume team sport, and Hadad’s sanctioning the 2021 tournament.
Ferguson has produced a signed letter dated July 10, 2020, indicating that Hadad’s normalisation committee had sanctioned the 2020 tournament, prior to the Covid-19 outbreak.
Ascension Invitational football has served as a pre-cursor to the local professional league and debuted in 2019 with 24 clubs, competing in two divisions and vying for $650,000 in prize money.
Pro League champions Defence Force were the Division One champions, winning $125,000, while San Fernando Giants won $100,00 as inaugural Division Two winners.
The organiser had catered for a much bigger 2020 tournament (postponed) — estimated to cost $4.3 million and featuring 92 teams, including Pro League, Super League and Zonal clubs vying for $494,000 in prize incentives.
“We are ready to go,” Ferguson told the Express yesterday. “Once Government gives the clearance to play, we want to start.” The only other problem Ferguson has is the reluctance of the normalisation committee to give the Ascension tournament 2021 its blessing.
In a recent correspondence, Ferguson called on Hadad to explain his reluctance. “Can you explain this please?” was the question asked.
Another prominent club owner, who wished to remain anonymous, admitted to being confused by both Hadad’s position and lack of communication with clubs about the tournament. Hadad also did not respond to the Express’ queries on his position toward the Ascension Invitational and why was there a change of heart, a year after sanctioning the 2020 tournament.
“The organisers of the tournament would have used this sanction as the basis for procuring various goods and services for the tournament, including costs to broadcast games on live television in over 20 countries around the world. Tournament organisers would have spent $millions in preparing for this tournament based on the contract you signed,” Ferguson stated via correspondence to Hadad.
“In addition, sponsors would have withdrawn their support after you made public statements concerning the purported cancellation of the tournament. As such, you are exposing FIFA, TTFA, the normalisation committee and your good self to legal action as this is a clear breach of contract, Tort, and case of liquidated damages.
“Therefore, your apparently wild and reckless statements could result in millions of dollars in losses,” the communique further stated.
The organiser argued that, “the Ascension Tournament has sought to provide major sponsorship for various stakeholders in football, including women’s football, zonal football, Super League football and Pro League football and is committed to developing all aspects of football in Trinidad and Tobago.”
“It is ironic that you have been begging for corporate Trinidad to get involved in football but deny the organisers of the Ascension Tournament — a corporate entity, to perform a national service in hopes of improving our local game and giving our talented players the opportunity to showcase their abilities worldwide.”
-
Awai agrees with Minister Deyalsingh's Ascension blank.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).
Michael Awai a stakeholder in local football and the former AC Port of Spain Business Development Manager agrees with the decision by Minister of Health, Dr Terrence Deyalsingh to blank permission to the Ascension Football Tournament organisers for the start of their ten-club competition at this time.
This is despite Awai being the owner of one of the teams expected to be involved in the competition, AC Port-of-Spain.
On May 1, the Ascension Football Tournament Director Kieron Edwards wrote to the Ministry of Health proposing a tournament to be played at La Horquetta Recreation Ground which would have featured only fully vaccinated players, staff and officials.
Among the other clubs who were set to compete in the first local football tournament since March 2020 were 2019 Ascension and Pro League champions Defence Force, Police FC, Cunupia FC, West Forte FC, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers FC, Malabar FC, Central FC, Central Soccer World FC and Deportivo PF.
As an added safety measure, the tournament organisers also hinted that only fully-vaccinated fans were to be allowed as they intended to apply strict Covid-19 protocols with the help of the La Horquetta Police.
Overall, the request was supported by a list of some 30 COVID-19 guidelines to be followed by all, to ensure the safety and protection of all involved, either taking part in the games, officiating, or supporting.
However on May 3, in reply to the request to the tournament financed by former T&TFA presidential candidate Richard Ferguson, Minister Terrence Deyalsingh informed Edwards that an exemption had been denied.
Minister Deyalsingh in his reply said: As you may be aware, the Emergency Powers (No.2) Regulations, 2021 (“the Regulations”), as amended by the Emergency Powers (Variation of Curfew Times No.5) Order, 2021 and the Ministry of Health’s Media Release (Statement No.12), provide inter alia:
3. (1) During the period of public emergency between the hours of 5.01 am to 9.59 pm. Every day, a person shall not –
(a) gather in any public place unless the gathering –
(i) for the purpose of the services is specified in sub-regulation (10);
(ii) does not exceed ten persons at a time
(b)…
(m) participate in any team sports,
(o) operate any sports clubs, including cycling, running, hiking, swimming, golf, tennis, football, rugby, and hockey clubs except where authorised by the Minister.
I have received your request for an exemption pursuant to the Regulations, to commence the Ascension Football Tournament of T&T and as further delineated in your letter.
However, due to the community spread of the Delta Variant of Covid-19, I am unable to authorize the conduct of said Tournament at this time.
Notwithstanding, due consideration may be given to your request in the future, ended Minister Deyalsingh’s reply which was copied to the Minister of Sport and Community Development, Shamfa Cudjoe.
And commenting on the decision made, Awai first noted that the approach used by the organisers maybe been a problem.
He said, “I think that Richard Ferguson in his wisdom, I thought that he should have had a joint effort with the T&TFA approaching government.
“I believe he approached the government on his own and copied the T&TFA from what I read in the newspapers but he has every right to ask for what he is asking for as there is every reason why he wants the football to be played.”
“He is concerned about the young people in the country and I think that is very noble but at the same time we do have a pandemic, we do have a Delta Variant and 71 people died in a week albeit older people but the fact of the matter is that people are dying and unless and until the country gets to a point of where they can have what is call herd immunity then I don’t think any sport will play.”
“Yes, they will have a national team training in the Home of Football secluded, yes they will bring a team from Panama and play and stay in one place with no visitors etc, but once you start to say that okay we can play football every Tom, Dick and Harry will play football in the savannah, on the streets and it will be uncontrolled and then we can have spikes there and then we may have a problem again nationally, and I think that’s the reason why the Ministry of Health has been very very careful and very methodical and thoughtful in their whole approach in this whole mess as we call the covid pandemic .”
I think the indiscipline of the people in the country as well has played its role in the decision as could you imagine if they open the beaches this weekend what is going to happen, and football is not as bad as the beach, but just kind of get a que from that kind of excitement and you will get to understand what it is.
Every piece of green grass in this country would be covered with people playing football, no masks, people just playing and we could just have people getting ill all over again and we will have a big spike and then we will all be in a mess again.”
he added, "So I do think it’s a good thing not to start the football now and quite frankly I think January is not a bad time to start because generally, it has never been our practice to play football in December, and November is almost done.
“So I think they can wait, plan and monitor and review and then after a while they can say okay we can start to play football January 1.
In response to Minister Deyalsing’s decision, a group of players, coaches and other football officials are expected to the streets of Port-of-Spain, including at the office of Minister of Sports and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe on Thursday morning, to air their concerns on why football is not being played.
The group is being led by Michael De Four, coach of Cunupia FC and others, calling themselves concerned citizens of football.
According to a Guardian Media Sports report on Wednesday due to the limitations to protest or march, the group has printed jerseys they believe will help convey their message.
De Four insisted that his members are not into the business of breaking the laws, hence why they’re not playing football although the sport is allegedly going on at different locations across the country.
"You said, 'vaccinate to operate', that was a government slogan, but here it is an entity, is saying hey, everybody has been vaccinated and we’re ready to go, and you’re telling them no. So, we have a little issue with that, because the less we play football, the more the industry crumbles and crumbles, making it more difficult to recover from where we were, or attain the goals we would like to attain.”
De Four pleaded, “I would like the Minister of Health and the Sports Minister to show some compassion towards the sports fraternity and work with us as sports enthusiasts, at least to overcome this hurdle".
-
Football coaches, players march for the return of sports
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday)
COACHES, players and administrators of local football marched through Port of Spain on Thursday morning to not only resume football but sports.
A few sports, including golf, were allowed during the covid19 pandemic but team sports and contact sports are still prohibited.
The Government, however, did permit the national senior women’s football team to play two international friendlies against Panama at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, last month.
The protest followed Government’s decision to blank the Ascension League’s proposal to resume football.
On November 2, the Ascension League issued a statement to the Ministry of Health Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe, normalisation committee chairman Robert Hadad and Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago chairman Douglas Camacho. It was signed by tournament director Kieron Edwards.
The proposal said all the players and coaches are vaccinated.
Three days later, Deyalsingh said permission to start the league cannot be granted at this time.
He said he could not allow the competition to kick off because of community spread of the delta variant of covid19.
Roughly 25 football stakeholders walked along the Brian Lara Promenade, Frederick Street and also gathered at the Red House. Covid19 protocols were followed.
The protestors wore red t-shirts saying “Let Football Play in a Safe Zone.”
A month ago, the Government allowed more businesses to open for vaccinated people called safe zones. They included gyms, cinemas and casinos.
Among those who attended the protest were director and coach of Cunupia FC Michael De Four, Unified Football Coaches of TT interim president Jefferson George, coach of Central Soccer World/Cunupia FC Randolph Boyce and All Blacks FC official Simon Francis.
https://www.youtube.com/v/u-7QDwZYSLE
-
Football stakeholders demand to play in 'safe zones'
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)
A more-than-scary statistic, which shows that more than 30,000 young people have lost their jobs due to the government's refusal to allow sport, as an industry to be played, has led to a group of concerned footballers to take to the streets of Port-of-Spain yesterday in a and show the disappointment via a silent protest, calling for football, in particular, to be played.
The group of football players, coaches and other officials wore red T-shirts with the words - 'Let football play in safe zones,' printed on them following the government's decision to shut down sports because of the COVID-19 pandemic almost two years ago.
Their walk, which began at the bottom of Henry Street, near the South Quay, and proceeded through the capital city, via Independence Square, up Frederick Street to Woodford Square, then down Abrecromby street towards the office of the Sports Minister Shamfa Cudjoe, whose Ministry of Sports and Community Development office is housed at Nicholas Tower on Independence Square, with an aimed at sending a message to her about the apparent unfair treatment being dished out to sports in general, and football in particular, as all other industries are allowed to 'vaccinate and operate' according to a call by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley a few months ago to the business community.
Michael De Four, Director of Football at central club Cunupia FC who was one of the organisers of the peaceful walk, said his team alone has lost three players due to the shut-down. He told Guardian Media Sports on Thursday: "Football in T&T should be an industry. I did some stats and there are about 30,000 people in T&T that play football at some sort of competitive level, separated by another 25,000, who use football as a recreational activity. The industry generates an estimated TT$800,000 in economic activity annually and that has been shut down. So you're talking about some 20,000 to 30,000 young people who are out of some form of income. We're saying that after an entity decided to follow Government's proposal to vaccinate to operate, we were denied and that was the catalyst that provoked us to come to this peaceful walk to do like the business community and make a statement without saying a word. We've lost three players, one to crime, he was not going to come back. We lost one to drugs, not the legal drugs but the illegal drugs, and we've lost another one who just doesn't want to play football again, and these are truly talented individuals. And that is just one team. We have over 120 competitive teams in Trinidad and Tobago," De Four explained.
When the march reached Abercromby street, heading southwards, police officers, both on foot patrol and in vehicles made their presence felt, by stopping some of the participants and fielding questions to the group about the event. However, the march was allowed to continue after De Four, the Cunupia football boss ease the concerns of the officers by ensuring them that the required numbers of 10 persons per groups were maintained during the march.
The Ministries of Health and Sports were singled out by the the football stakeholders, as well as Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley as the only ones with the power to affect change from the march, but following the presentation of the budget in October in which no additional funding was given to sports, De Four said he was neither confident that sports will return, disappointed that the ministry of sports could not put forward a case for sports to be returned to play, nor even certain that a case was made at all by the ministry for on-the-field sports to be returned.
Meanwhile, Randolph Boyce, the Central Soccer World coach echoed similar sentiments, saying there was not even an attempt to allow sports to be returned.
According to Boyce, they're not fighting against the health issues, but they want to know or ask if they can be given something in principle. "Give us something that we could work with on when sports would start back to play. There is the Pro League, there is the Super League, there are zones, there are football academies, so you can start at the highest level, where it will be trials and errors. And if you have to shut it down then we could understand that, but you're not starting it at all, so to us, there are no plans at all."
-
Football stakeholders demand to play in 'safe zones'
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)
...
Michael De Four, Director of Football at central club Cunupia FC who was one of the organisers of the peaceful walk, said his team alone has lost three players due to the shut-down. He told Guardian Media Sports on Thursday: "Football in T&T should be an industry. I did some stats and there are about 30,000 people in T&T that play football at some sort of competitive level, separated by another 25,000, who use football as a recreational activity. The industry generates an estimated TT$800,000 in economic activity annually and that has been shut down. So you're talking about some 20,000 to 30,000 young people who are out of some form of income. We're saying that after an entity decided to follow Government's proposal to vaccinate to operate, we were denied and that was the catalyst that provoked us to come to this peaceful walk to do like the business community and make a statement without saying a word. We've lost three players, one to crime, he was not going to come back. We lost one to drugs, not the legal drugs but the illegal drugs, and we've lost another one who just doesn't want to play football again, and these are truly talented individuals. And that is just one team. We have over 120 competitive teams in Trinidad and Tobago," De Four explained.
Football stakeholders demand to play in 'safe zones'
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)
A more-than-scary statistic, which shows that more than 30,000 young people have lost their jobs due to the government's refusal to allow sport, as an industry to be played, has led to a group of concerned footballers to take to the streets of Port-of-Spain yesterday in a and show the disappointment via a silent protest, calling for football, in particular, to be played.
...
Football coaches, players march for the return of sports
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday)
COACHES, players and administrators of local football marched through Port of Spain on Thursday morning to not only resume football but sports.
...
Roughly 25 football stakeholders walked along the Brian Lara Promenade, Frederick Street and also gathered at the Red House. Covid19 protocols were followed.
...
Notable contrast between a figure asserted to be in the tens of thousands and a yield of less than three tens.
-
Notable contrast between a figure asserted to be in the tens of thousands and a yield of less than three tens.
Maybe the Game, Jobs AND the 'industry' (industry the man say !) not as important to the
" 30,000 people in T&T that play football at some sort of competitive level, separated by another 25,000, who use football as a recreational activity. The industry generates an estimated TT$800,000 in economic activity annually and that has been shut down. So you're talking about some 20,000 to 30,000 young people who are out of some form of income. "
So why would the powers that be take 25 ppl seriously. There's more seriousness and ppl in the safe zone bars on the Avenue, any avenue.
-
Coach De Four: Footballers lost to crime, drugs amid sport shutdown
By Michael DeFour (T&T Newsday)
LOCAL stakeholders said footballers have fallen by the wayside to crime and the next generation of talented T&T players at a disadvantage with football, and sport in general, being on the sidelines for almost two years.
Roughly 25 coaches, players, administrators and supporters of local football marched through Port of Spain on Thursday morning to not only resume football but sports.
The group walked along the Brian Lara Promenade, Frederick Street and also gathered by the Red House while following covid19 protocols.
More than an hour after the march began they ended their walk outside the Ministry of Sport and Community Development’s office at Nicholas Towers.
The protestors wore red t-shirts saying “Let Football Play in a Safe Zone.”
Among those who attended the protest were director and coach of Cunupia FC Michael De Four, Unified Football Coaches of T&T interim president Jefferson George, coach of Central Soccer World/Cunupia FC Randolph Boyce and All Blacks FC official Simon Francis.
De Four, speaking to the media outside the Red House, said, “Financially (we have been affected by no football), health-wise…I could give an example (that) we have lost three players. We lost one to crime, he is not going to come back if you understand what I mean. We have lost one to drugs, not the legal drugs, (but) the illegal drugs and we just lost one. He just don’t want to play football again. These were truly talented individuals and I am just one team. They have over 120 competitive teams in Trinidad.”
Francis also spoke about players turning to negative activities.
He said, “I represent grassroots football in T&T. Grassroots football is very important because it is community-based football. Imagine right now in my community of South Oropouche I can take my vaccination card, my son’s vaccination card (or) some of my players vaccination cards and go by a bar and have a drink, but I cannot under the present measures carry those footballers to train and play football and that in itself is fundamentally wrong.”
He added, “We have been down for about 19, 20 months and for 20 months now if we had up and coming Dwight Yorkes, Russell Latapys amongst us we could kiss that goodbye.
“Sports bring discipline…in South Oropouche I have been able to fight crime by young men training and playing football.”
A few sports, including golf, have been allowed during the covid19 pandemic but team sports and contact sports are still waiting.
The Government, however, did permit the national senior women’s football team to play two international friendlies against Panama at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, last month.
The protest followed Government’s decision to blank the Ascension League’s proposal to resume football.
On November 2, the Ascension League issued a statement to the Ministry of Health Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe, normalisation committee chairman Robert Hadad and Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago chairman Douglas Camacho. It was signed by tournament director Kieron Edwards.
The proposal said all the players and coaches are vaccinated.
Three days later, Deyalsingh said permission to start the league cannot be granted at this time because of the delta variant.
Boyce is asking the Government to give sport a chance.
“There is the Pro League, Super League, zones, academies. Start at the highest level and if it have trial and error and you have to shut it down then we could understand that, but you are not starting at all. It means to us there are no policies, they put us in a corner…if you have to find a safe zone we are willing.”
A month ago, the Government allowed more businesses to open for vaccinated people called safe zones. They included gyms, cinemas and casinos.
George said the march was not only about football.
“The public must remember that is not just football, but it is sport in general that has been put on the shelf proverbially since last year…we know from research that engaging in sport is one way that we can keep our bodies healthy.”
-
Ascension Football writes to PM for tourney's return: We will play it safe
By Jonathan Ramnanansingh (T&T Newsday)
After Ascension Football Tournament officials were blanked by Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh on a possible resumption to the league with vaccinated players only, organisers have now reached out to the Prime Minister in hope of a more favourable response.
Last month, Ascension administrators sent a request to Deyalsingh, Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe, normalisation committee chairman Robert Hadad and SporTT chairman Douglas Camacho outlining a plethora of changes and health protocols implemented into the tournament’s operations, in anticipation of a possible restart.
However, Deyalsingh denied their request and said he was unable to authorise the league’s resumption “due to community spread of the delta variant of covid19”. He also said that “due consideration may be given to your request in the future.”
With no update coming from the health ministry to date, tournament organisers decided to reach out to Dr Rowley with a similar letter on Thursday.
Most notably, the statement confirmed that the league’s ten participating teams, players and support staff have all been fully vaccinated.
According to the release, the tournament will adhere to all covid19 protocols and guidelines before it proceeds.
Some of the mandatory requirements are that all players, coaches, support staff and spectators must have proof of full vaccination status before entering the venue.
The committee will designate members of staff as a covid19 support team to be responsible for all related concerns. They will attend all games and ensure the guidelines are adhered to.
If allowed by local health authorities, only vaccinated spectators will be permitted. Every person entering the game venue must wear a mask and non-participating support staff must wear masks at all times.
It added that any person displaying a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius will not be allowed entry. Social distancing (six feet) must be adhered to whether in the stands, players’ bench or sidelines.
Additionally, during half-time, teams will only be allowed in dressing rooms if the weather is unsatisfactory. If it is satisfactory, teams will stay on-field to conduct half-time talk, with social distancing.
If a family member of any player, coach or support staff contracts covid19 or has been exposed to people with symptoms, they must notify tournament organisers.
“Players, coaches, staff and officials must conduct mandatory temperature/health checks for each of the three days prior to each match day.
Players failing to make themselves available to have these tests done will result in them not participating in the games occurring that week,” the statement added.
A list of all names, addresses and other contact information would be taken upon entry to each game to have accurate contact tracing of all those present. There will also be seating arrangements for support staff.
It continued, “The game will be played within a 90-minute time frame followed by an hour sanitisation period.
“The duration of the time players are present at venues will be shortened reducing the time of gathering to limit the possibility of exposure to covid19.
“A cleaning and sanitisation schedule has been added before, during and after all games for contact/surface areas.”
The only international players allowed to participate must have resided in T&T for at least one year. All matches will be hosted at secure venues. Referees must submit weekly reports and must bring to the attention of the tournament director immediately if a player is suspected of having covid19.
The release concluded, “The tournament will also obtain assistance from the T&T Police Service, namely the La Horquetta Police Station to ensure all covid19 guidelines are strictly executed.
“The tournament will be governed by the established rules and regulations of FIFA, Concacaf and T&T Football Association and the disciplinary and appeals committee in operation will be used and applied with suitable variations where necessary.”
The Ascension committee now awaits a response from the relevant authorities to proceed.
Several national sporting organisations and domestic clubs have increased their preparation ahead of a possible resumption to all sport.
This comes after the government and Ministry of Health approved to host two friendly matches (October 21 and 25) between T&T women’s team and Panama at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
Before that, no major contact sport has been played on local soil since mid-March last year.
-
Ascension seeks Gov’t green light for 30-point Covid-19 protocol plan
T&T Guardian
Keiron Edwards, Tournament Director of the Ascension Football Tournament has written to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley seeking permission for the start of the Ascension Football Tournament of T&T.
In a letter dated Tuesday, December 21, Edwards noted that that the league is prepared to commence and as such is seeking the Prime Minister’s permission to proceed.
In early November, the league was denied permission to kick off by Minister of Health, Dr Terrence Deyalsingh who cited the spike in coronavirus cases as one of the key factors.
However, in their new request to the T&T Government and more importantly to the Prime Minister, Edwards pointed out that all the teams that will be competing in the Ascension Football Tournament have players and support staff fully vaccinated.
He stated: As the country continues to strive towards some sense of normalcy during this difficult period, we believe that the restart of contact sports, particularly football, will boost the morale of our citizens and recharge the passion we once had for this sport.
It is also expected to reduce the level of crime within depressed regions of the country.
The Ascension Tournament of Trinidad and Tobago will be broadcast live on SportsMax, a local television network and streamed on the internet in over twenty countries worldwide thereby showcasing our nation's unique football style and culture. The Tournament will adhere to all covid-19 protocols and follow strict covid-19 guidelines before we proceed.
The following are some of the coronavirus procedures that will be enforced during the Ascension Tournament:
1. All players, coaches, referees, their support staff, spectators and any other persons would only be allowed entry on the ground if they have proven that they are fully vaccinated.
2. The Ascension Tournament of Trinidad and Tobago will designate members of staff (COVID-19 support team) to be responsible for responding to COVID-19 related concerns. 3.
3. The COVID-19 support team will attend all games to ensure COVID-19 protocols are adhered to.
4. All teams participating in the tournament must wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds upon entry to the field/ stadium. If soap and water are not readily available, hand sanitizer that contains at least 70% alcohol will be used.
5. Only fully vaccinated spectators will be allowed to enter the premises.
6. COVID-19 signage will be posted at all venues.
7. Every person including coaches, staff, officials, players and possible spectators entering the game venue must wear a mask before entering. All support staff not participating in the game must wear masks at all times while in game venue.
8. Thermal imaging systems or non-contact infrared thermometers, which are noncontact temperature assessment devices, will be used to measure the temperature of coaches, staff, officials, and players present at each game. Any person that displays a temperature above the required level (100.4° F/ 38° C) will not be allowed in the venue.
9. During times when players are not actively participating in field of play, attention will be given to ensure the maintaining of social distancing (at least 6ft) by increasing space between players on the sideline, stands or bench.
10. During half-time, teams will only be allowed in dressing rooms if the weather is unsatisfactory. If the weather is satisfactory, teams will stay on field to conduct half time talks. In both instances, social distancing must be adhered to.
11. Coaches, staff, officials and players must notify the Ascension Tournament of Trinidad and Tobago COVID-19 support team if they (staff) or any member of their family become sick with COVID-19 symptoms, test positive for COVID-19, or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 symptoms or a confirmed or suspected case.
12. Coaches, staff, officials and players must send a list (at least six hours prior to each game to the tournament director) of all members that will be present from their club including name, address, official form of ID, contact number, emergency contact number and vaccination card to be cross referenced upon entry to each game.
13. If someone tests positive for COVID-19 all areas will be closed off once it was used by that person to be cleaned and sanitized as per the Ministry of Health guidelines (for outdoor areas, this includes surfaces or shared objects in the area, if applicable).
14. Players, coaches, staff and officials must conduct mandatory temperature/ health checks for each of the three days prior to each match day. Players failing to make themselves available to have these tests done will result in them not participating in the games occurring that week.
15. The required PPE will be available at the venue on each match day for the medical staff's use in the event of a suspect covid-19 case. If there is a suspected case, the medical staff will use the PPE to have the person transferred to the nearest health facility.
16. A Thermal imaging system or non-contact infrared thermometer will be given to each team to conduct a daily temperature check with each player.
17. A list of all person's name, address and other contact information would be taken upon entry to each game to have accurate tracing of all persons present in the event of a covid-19 case.
18.All players will be temperature checked prior to leaving their home ground. All players and support staff must not use public transport as their mode of transportation to get to and from the games.
19. Clear seating arrangements will be identified for all support staff with clear consideration of covid-19 requirements.
20. Players and support staff must always sign the temperature record when their temperature is taken.
21. Teams must sign the protocol article and must adhere to all protocols listed to mitigate the risk of contracting covid-19.
22.People conducting temperature checks at venue entry points must be clothed in proper PPE.
23.Any person whose temperature is recorded over 38°C or displays symptoms would be isolated and the relevant authorities would be contacted to have them escorted to seek medical treatment.
24. There would be a designated person to lead media and communication activities. They would be tasked with managing all external communication with national officials, public and the media- Tournament Director.
25. The game will be played within a 90-minute time frame with an hour sanitation period. The duration of the time players are present at venues will be shortened reducing the time of gathering to limit the possibility of exposure to covid-19.
26.A cleaning and sanitization schedule has been added before, during and after all games for all contact/ surface areas.
27. The tournament organizers have acquired masks for every participan,t staff and official to help reduce transmission of covid-19.
28. There will be no international participants that would have entered the country within the last year. All international players must have resided in Trinidad and Tobago for at least one year.
29. All matches will be hosted at secure venues to ensure identification of all persons entering the venue as well as reduce the spread of covid-19 and to easily trace all players, and support staff in the event that a person present at the game displays symptoms of or contracts covid-19.
30. Referees must submit weekly reports and must bring to the attention of the tournament director immediately if a player is suspected of having covid-19.
With regards to security, Edwards pointed out that the league will also obtain assistance from the T&T Police Service, namely the La Horquetta Police Station to ensure all covid-19 guidelines are strictly executed, while the league also has adequate security and remains incident free.
In keeping with the high standards set by its inaugural competition two years ago, the tournament will be governed by the established Rules and Regulations of FIFA, Concacaf and the T&T Football Association while the Disciplinary and Appeals Committees will be used and applied with suitable variations where necessary.
-
10. During half-time, teams will only be allowed in dressing rooms if the weather is unsatisfactory. If the weather is satisfactory, teams will stay on field to conduct half time talks. In both instances, social distancing must be adhered to.
All well and good. But how will they relief themselves ? Will there be mobile putty for each team so a player goes one at atime ?
-
Ascension Football League targets March kick off.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
ASCENSION League director Richard Ferguson is targeting early March for the start of the league following the announcement on Sunday that the safe zone return to play proposal has been approved by the Ministry of Health.
On Sunday, a media release by the Ministry of Sport and Community Development said, “National governing bodies (NGBs) and sport serving bodies will now be able to host sporting events and execute sporting activities for fully vaccinated athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators at specific sporting facilities.”
Since the covid19 pandemic started to affect TT in March 2020 sport has been on the sidelines, with few exceptions being made. National athletes and teams have been permitted to train periodically during the pandemic. A few sports, including tennis and golf, have been allowed.
Fans who are vaccinated will also be allowed to attend sporting events.
“Approval has also been granted for fully vaccinated spectators to attend events at 50 per cent facility capacity for outdoor events, and 25 per cent facility capacity for indoor events subject to guidelines to be issued by the Ministry of Health.
“The new Public Health Regulations will be published today (Sunday) and will take effect from tomorrow Monday, January 24, 2022.”
Ferguson said, “It is a positive reaction by the Ministry of Sport and by extension the Prime Minister and we welcome the move and we look forward to be active in a competitive league in the future.”
Ferguson said he has been in dialogue with clubs and the normalisation committee, who is in charge of local football.
“We have been doing that awhile now, that is nothing new. What we actually need to do now is to work on getting the approval from the Ministry of Sport, the Ministry of Health to play the league.”
Asked if he thinks footballers and stakeholders in the sport who are still hesitant to take the vaccine would get vaccinated now, Ferguson said, “I hope so.”
Ferguson is hoping to start a league in the coming weeks. “We looking at probably the first week in March.”
Football stakeholders have been clamouring for the return of sports, not only football.
On November 11, coaches, players and administrators marched through Port of Spain.
The protest followed Government’s decision to blank the Ascension League’s proposal to resume football.
The protestors wore red t-shirts saying “Let Football Play in a Safe Zone.”
On November 2, the Ascension League issued a statement to the Ministry of Health Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe, normalisation committee chairman Robert Hadad and Sport Company of Trinidad and Tobago chairman Douglas Camacho. It was signed by tournament director Kieron Edwards.
The proposal said all the players and coaches are vaccinated.
Three days later, Deyalsingh said permission to start the league cannot be granted at this time.
He said he could not allow the competition to kick off because of community spread of the delta variant of covid19.
Following T&T’s 5-0 defeat against Bolivia on Friday in an international men’s football friendly, coach Angus Eve called for the return of local football.
Former T&T midfielder Densill Theobald, an assistant coach and director of football at Morvant Caledonia, is excited that football can resume.
“This is great news,” Theobald said.
“We are not only anxious for football to restart, but also just for the youths to look forward to some sort of positivity and using their time wisely in a productive way. That augurs well for the rest of the year. That is a fantastic step in the right direction for everyone involved in the sporting fraternity.”
Theobald said footballers are in “desperate need of competition” with many of them not belonging to a club.
Theobald, who represented T&T at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, thanked the Government for taking the decision to resume more sporting activities.
Interim president of the Unified Coaches of T&T Jefferson George said, “It is obviously pleasing to know that sport is at least going to be on the same level like industries which have been allowed to open so long (ago).”
In October, multiple sectors of the entertainment industry were allowed to open for vaccinated people. Some of those businesses included gyms, casinos and cinemas.
George questioned the delay in giving sport the green light.
Discussing the mandatory vaccination rule for people who want to get involved in sport, George said, “I am speaking on behalf of the coaches association of course and we had always maintained that any type of vaccination should be a personal choice. It should not be mandated.”
-
TD Corneal to have input in Ascension decision.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).
Newly installed technical director of the T&T Football Association (TTFA), Anton Corneal, will have a part to play in the granting of permission by the Normalisation Committee, with regards to the start of the Ascension football tournament next month.
The Ascension Invitational was first held in 2019, as a pre-season event to the T&T Pro League season with record-domestic league champion Defence Force capturing the Division One crown and $125,000 top prize while San Fernando Giants won Division Two and $100,000.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition was not held in 2020 or last year, but tournament organisers are very hopeful of staging the second edition from next month, following the decision by the government to allow the return to sports, but under strict health guidelines and protocols as outlined by the Ministry of Health.
On Wednesday, the 58-year-old Corneal was appointed to the position of TTFA technical director for the third time in his career.
His appointment came on the eve of Thursday’s meeting between key stakeholders in local football inclusive of the Ministry of Sports and Community Development, Sports Company of T&T (SporTT) and representatives of the Ascension Football League with regards to the resumption of local sporting competitions.
Among those at yesterday's meeting were Minister of Sports and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe, TTFA normalisation committee chairman Robert Hadad, TTFA general secretary Amiel Mohammed, Ephraim Serrette, Special Advisor Minister of Sports and Community Development, Chief Executive Officer SporTT, Jason Williams and Ascension League tournament director, Keiron Edwards.
Before the meeting, Edwards had related that a key sticking point in the league coming off was that they were directed by the Ministry of Sports to get a letter of endorsement from the TTFA which is under the leadership of the Hadad-led normalisation committee.
Edwards said they then had a meeting with the TTFA at which they were told they had two options by which the league would go ahead, which were for the football body to collaborate or control or run any league which they are giving a sanction to, or which they are endorsing.
Edwards said he believed those suggestions to have the tournament played under the umbrella of any TTFA-sanction tournament such as the T&T Pro League, the T&T Super League or the six Regional Associations such as the Eastern Football Association, Central FA, Southern FA, Northern FA, the Tobago FA and the Eastern Counties Football Union (ECFU) was a mandate to the TTFA from Concacaf and FIFA, the sport's world governing body.
He noted that they already sent out correspondence to all the regional associations, but is yet to reach out to the T&T Super League which is being headed by new president Lee Davis. Ascension, while discussions have also been held with the T&T Pro League through its chairman, Brent Sancho, more dialogue is set to take place with the directors of the Pro League.
Edwards upbeat after meeting
But commenting Thursday, a more upbeat Edwards said the meeting went fairly okay as they had some discussions about hopefully having the Ascension League started and how it will look and how they can move forward.
He said, "We have some positive news as there was a commitment by the Ascension Tournament and as well as the TTFA to smoothen out the relationship and the framework behind having the tournament play and getting the approval from TTFA or the blessings of TTFA in terms of having the tournament play and in the next coming days we would iron out how that would look and basically come up with a framework in which I believe would be the framework moving forward for third parties wishing to have a football league and be given the endorsement by the TTFA.
Asked if any drastic changes are set to be made with regards to the running of the competition, Edwards said, “I don't believe it would be anything in terms of changing the name, but more the involvement of FIFA and Concacaf in the restructuring of the TTFA which would have instructed the normalisation committee, in terms of, how to deal with third-party involvement.
“And coming out of those discussions on the normalisation committee side, they would have engaged us and said that anyone that they are giving an endorsement or sanction to, they would want to have some sort of collaboration or some clear defined oversight of the league.
"So I think that's where we are right now, in terms of, working out what a collaboration would look like."
Expressing a bit of frustration with the slow progress, Edwards said, “There is only so much things you can do in football, in terms of, running a league so it's straightforward, we would sit down and iron out those fine details and we will get to the real important part which is getting our senior players back on the field in the shortest possible time to assist coach Angus Eve with regards to Nations League qualifying and then for the next World Cup campaign," stated Edwards.
TTNA gen sec agrees meeting went well
Reached for comment yesterday, Mohammed said the meeting went well with all the stakeholders involved.
Questioned about the endorsement letter needed by the Ascension Tournament, Mohammed replied, “We continue to discuss with the Ascension League and others with regards to the new health regulations and protocols that have been put in place for the return to sport as announced by the minister recently and we hope to have some sort of solution soon.
“We have been going through the Ascension proposal along with the Tiger Tank Under-20 Tournament and the Next Level Consulting Limited U-19 Community Invitational among the others that we have received since the announcement of the resumption of sport last month.
“So it’s slow and steady progress as we now have to discuss these proposals with our new technical director, Anton Corneal before we can make a final decision on them," said Mohammed.
The Ascension League is set to kick off in mid-March and will be aired by SportsMax and another local television station.
Edwards also welcomes any involvement by Corneal in the decision-making process to have the league up and running as soon as possible.
He said, "TD Corneal was recently installed and my dealings, he would have been a coach of mines when I would have been part of our national youth set-up, and I think he's one of the best minds we have within football in the country right now, and at this time, it's really a boost to the TTFA, in terms of, having him (Anton Corneal) on board.
“So if they see it fit to have a footballing mind like Anton (Corneal) to give some assistance to the process, I think it would only augur well, in terms of, the final composition of that collaboration, in terms of what that would look like.
“But I'm not seeing it being an issue and if Anton (Corneal) is there I welcome his input in terms of how that collaboration would look."
In expanding on what final details need to be ironed out between the TTFA and Ascension League Edwards stated, "It's basically the parameters of the collaboration, in terms of, what would be in control of simple things like referees, disciplinary committee matters if they arise and venues to see about and it's just to figure out who would do what and basically, once we figure out who would do what and who will be responsible for what we will move ahead."
-
NOT READY: Clubs cautious, unprepared for football resumption
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)
Richard Ferguson, the main man behind the Ascension Invitational football tournament has revealed that his own Terminix La Horquetta Rangers professional club is not yet training.
This comes despite the green light being given for a return to the football field for the first time in nearly two years since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
In January, Sports Minister Shamfa Cudjoe announced approval had been given for the Ministry of Sport and Community Development’s Safe Zone Return to Play proposal.
A release from the Minister explained: “National Governing Bodies and Sport Serving Bodies will now be able to host sporting events and execute sporting activities for fully vaccinated athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators, at specific sporting facilities. Approval has also been granted for fully-vaccinated spectators to attend events at 50 per cent facility capacity for outdoor events, and 25 per cent facility capacity for indoor events subject to guidelines to be issued by the Ministry of Health.”
The new Public Health Regulations took effect from Monday, January 24, 2022. However up to yesterday, Rangers owner Ferguson revealed his club is still grounded.
“We cannot train,” Ferguson declared. “Remember, unless we first get approval, it is still against the law for us to begin training.”
The Ascension Invitational, the only competition offering cash prizes, began in 2019, as a pre-cursor to the local professional league. Initially, 24 clubs, competing in two divisions competed for TT$650,000 in prize money. However, the tournament has not been played in two years due to Government’s restriction of contact sports at the onset of the pandemic.
This year’s tournament will be carried on the SportMax cable television network. However, the wait for Ministry of Health approval means that Ferguson cannot yet announce a start date for the 2022 edition. He would have liked to begin at the end of March.
“We still do not have approval from the Ministry of Health,” Ferguson told the Sunday Express. “When we get approval, we will be able to issue a start date, but we haven’t gotten approval as yet.”
At club level, there is also uncertainty for several reasons. Two years away from football has seen a turn-up at many clubs, with those clubs that would pay players especially affected, since there is no funding from Government or otherwise.
San Juan Jabloteh have put out social media notice that they are recruiting Under-20 footballers. So far, their only hint at preparation has been on-line. The club was seeking a February 7 meeting with interested players and parents of persons wishing to represent Jabloteh at the upcoming Tiger Tanks Under-20 Invitational tournament.
Meanwhile, Cunupia FC coach Michael DeFour hinted that the pandemic may force teams to go even younger this year, as some of the more seasoned players have had to make economic decisions to survive over the past two years. DeFour said his likely player pool is vaccinated but he expects them to be very young.
“The goalpost has shifted because where players were playing actively and trying to better their careers (pre-Covid-19), some have had to make decisions based on the economic situations, in terms of looking for employment and the new batch of players are young or younger and out of playing time for two years.”
DeFour stated that the economics also dictates that teams will only begin training when an established date to start any league is established.
“We are expecting a league (Ascension Invitational),” he said. I would not say (we are) training but we have started a gathering and coming together to prepare men for the pre-season.
“Nothing too regular until we have a (start) date and then we can go with a plan to resume full training,“ he added.
Police FC head coach Richard Hood thinks six weeks is sufficient time to get his team ready for competition. But the former T&T national women’s coach is still awaiting approval for the Lawmen to begin training, hopefully this week.
“We have not begun our preparation as yet because we are still awaiting approval from the CoP (Commissioner of Police) to start to prepare. We are hoping that we would receive such approval so that we can start on Monday,” Hood stated.
Hood also revealed that there may be changes in his team since some of the Lawmen are not willing to meet the conditions set down by the Health Ministry for play to begin.
“We have to operate within a safe zone and we have some players that are refusing to take the vaccination, so they will not be part of the effort,” he added.
For the most part though, Hood felt that the impending resumption of play was great news for the local football fraternity.
“We have been off the field for two years and for our peace of mind and the development of football in the country, that has set us back considerably,” he said. “So we are really looking forward to getting back on the field and doing the job we love.”
-
??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ???
-
Cudjoe tells clubs: 'Stop making excuses'
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).
Minister of Sports and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe believes football clubs expressing concerns that they are unable to train because of restrictions are only making excuses.
Since the government's return-to-sports order on January 23, clubs have not taken to the training pitch for several reasons, including a violation of the law of the land and their inability to assemble all their players.
Richard Ferguson, the owner of Terminix La Horquetta Rangers who is set to put on the Ascension Invitational Football League next month, said it is still against the law to begin training. Other clubs are complaining of not having an enclosed facility to train and play while others have resorted to recruiting younger players as it would be more economically feasible.
Speaking to Guardian Media Sports on Wednesday Cudjoe, whose decision it was to have on-the-field sports action this year, said clubs are making excuses without trying. She explained the Ministry of Health Regulations has catered for all eventualities.
"That's an excuse I am telling you because if you don't have a naturally enclosed facility you can cordon off your area and so on because there is legislation that provides for us to approve facilities. So let's say a specific group is playing at X place and they can explain how they cordon off and control their crowd in their proposal, of course, we will consider it and grant the approval accordingly. But if you have never made an application or a proposal, or even tried, and then say this thing isn't working, that is an excuse," the minister explained.
To date, three organisations have received approval by the T&T Football Association to stage tournaments this year - the Tiger Tanks under-20 Tournament, the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament which is scheduled to begin in mid-March and the Next Level Consulting Under-19 Development Tournament that is set to kick-off later this year.
Cudjoe said her ministry and the sports company have given sporting bodies and its officials' ample opportunity to express their concerns about the scheduled return-to-sport play, saying: " When you apply for clearance to train, you have to tell us we intend to train and play at this venue and so on, or this is how we intend to control the crowd. But to say you can't train because you don't have access to an enclosed area, that is an excuse.
We met with groups, we had a meeting inviting sporting bodies so that they can ask questions and so on, and anybody who is truly concerned about those things would have been at that meeting, and still if they have questions they can ask SPoRTT or ask the ministry so you can't say it's not working if you haven't tried."
-
Ascension League one step away from March 18 kick-off.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).
The second instalment of the Ascension Invitational Football League is one step away from being confirmed for a March 18 kick-off at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground.
This was confirmed by Ascension League tournament director, Keiron Edwards when contacted on Tuesday for an update on the league competition.
The league was first held in 2019, as a pre-season event to the T&T Pro League season with record-domestic league champion Defence Force capturing the Division One crown and $125,000 top prize while San Fernando Giants won Division Two and $100,000.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition was not held in 2020 or last year, but tournament organisers have been very busy and in consultation with officials from the Ministry of Sports and Community Development, Sports Company of T&T (SPoRTT) and Ministry of Health to start the tournament which has a budget of $3.5 million by mid-March.
Last month following a meeting of sporting stakeholders T&TFA General Secretary Amiel Mohammed said that the granting of the endorsement letter needed by the Ascension Tournament would be discussed by the association with the help of the newly installed Technical Director of the T&TFA, Anton Corneal.
Reached for response on the tournament Mohammed confirmed that following discussions by the Normalisation Committee-led T&TFA and its officials the Ascension Invitational were granted its endorsement letter which gives the competition the full backing of the local football body.
Mohammed also stated that two other tournaments, namely the Tiger Tank Under-20 Tournament and the Next Level Consulting Limited U-19 Community Invitational are expected to be informed by the end of the week if they too will be given the green light for their staging,
Edwards also confirmed that the Ascension Invitational received the endorsement letter from the T&TFA while they were also given the all-clear by the Ministry of Sports and Sports Company of T&T with regards to the health and safety guidelines and protocols to be implemented at the venues, with only the all-clear to be given by the Dr Terrance Deyalsingh's Ministry of Health, the only obstacle standing in the league's way.
An upbeat Edwards said, "We are anticipating a positive reply from the Ministry of Health soon on this as we have done all that we can to make sure that we have a very safe environment for all involved and hopefully by March 18 we will have the start of the league."
For this year's tournament, the ten participating clubs in the Premier Division are expected to be Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, T&T Defence Force, T&T Police, Malabar FC, Central FC, Deportivo Pt Fortin, Central Soccer World, AC Port-of-Spain, Cunupia FC and Real West Fort FC who will compete in two rounds of football providing 18 match days.
The additional venues to be used include the St James Police Barracks Grounds, St James; Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Diego Martin; Arima Municipal Stadium, Arima; and the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.
While the focus, for now, is on the staging of the top flight ten-club competition, Edwards noted that discussions are also continuing with representatives of the six T&TFA regional associations inclusive of the Eastern Football Association (EFA), Central Football Association (CFA), Southern Football Association (SFA), Northern Football Association (NFA), Tobago Football Association (TFA), and the Eastern Counties Football Union (ECFU) to host their tournaments to the $1.5 million as well.
The Ascension League is also expected to be aired on SportsMax and two local television stations so far.
-
Ascension football league kicks off March 25.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).
The second instalment of the Ascension Invitational Football League has been given the all-clear for a March 18 opening with official competition matches set to begin a week later on March 25 at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground.
This was confirmed both by the Minister of Sports and Community Development, Shamfa Cudjoe and Ascension League tournament director, Keiron Edwards when contacted about the competition on Tuesday.
The league was first held in 2019, as a pre-season event to the T&T Pro League season with record-domestic league champion Defence Force capturing the Division One crown and $125,000 top prize, while San Fernando Giants won Division Two and $100,000.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition was not held in 2020 or last year, but tournament organisers have been very busy and in consultation with officials from the Ministry of Sports and Community Development, Sports Company of T&T (SporTT) and Ministry of Health to start the tournament which has a budget of $3.5 million by mid-March with $175,000 in prize money.
Last month, following a meeting of sporting stakeholders, T&TFA General Secretary Amiel Mohammed said that the granting of the endorsement letter needed by the Ascension Tournament would be discussed by the association with the help of the newly installed Technical Director of the T&TFA, Anton Corneal.
Reached for a response on the tournament Mohammed confirmed that following discussions by the Normalisation Committee-led T&TFA and its officials the Ascension Invitational were granted its endorsement letter which gives the competition the full backing of the local football body.
Mohammed also stated that two other tournaments, namely the Tiger Tank Under-20 Tournament and the Next Level Consulting Limited U-19 Community Invitational are expected to be informed by the end of the week if they too will be given the green light for their staging,
Also last month Edwards also confirmed that the Ascension Invitational received the endorsement letter from the T&TFA while they were also given the all-clear by the Ministry of Sports and Sports Company of T&T with regards to the health and safety guidelines and protocols to be implemented at the venues.
However, according to Edwards, the only hindrance to the league kicking off was getting the all-clear by Minister Terrance Deyalsingh’s Ministry of Health.
And reached for comment yesterday, Edwards confirmed that the Ascension League was now in possession of their letters of permission from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Sports and Community Development as well as the T&TFA.
Edwards added, "It's a real sign of relief for us and we are very grateful to the Government for their support, and we are now in the final stages of planning for the opening on March 18 and what that will entails to be followed by the official start of matches on March 25.
Commenting on the approval, Cudjoe said that early last month when the Ministry of Sports and Community Development met with Ascension League representative Keiron Edwards, the Sports Company of T&T and the T&T Football Association (T&TFA), the Ascension League noted that the T&TFA was giving them some push back in the granting of approval.
"But since then they (Ascension) have been given the necessary approval from T&TFA and I spoke with Keiron (Edwards) again on February 24, when he reached out to me and told me to thank you so much after I sent him a copy of the letter.
She added, "He messaged me while I was in Cabinet on Thursday (February 24), and I told him that they (Ascension League organisers) were good to go and I sent him the signed letter where the Ministry of Health wrote to me and I told him it was just a matter of him picking up his letter, and he told me thank you so much for the update."
Cudjoe noted that Edwards only had one concern when he saw the approval which centred around the dates set out for the starting and completion of the competition.
She explained, "He said one thing I saw was that the approval was from March 18 to April 31, but there was a back and forth about wanting the end date in August, but the application they submitted for between March and April, so they were not clear on what they wanted.
"I then spoke with Minister Terrence Deyalisngh and he said he will change the dates to cover the entire period of the league and I spoke with the Minister's legal team with regards to having the letter done over and so on, and he said he was just going to write them a blanket approval because we are very adamant about having sport re-open and we continue to push for the full re-opening of sport and I think we are heading in the right direction."
For this year’s tournament, the ten participating clubs in the Premier Division are expected to be Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, T&T Defence Force, T&T Police, Malabar FC, Central FC, Deportivo Pt Fortin, Central Soccer World, AC Port-of-Spain, Cunupia FC and Real West Fort FC who will compete in two rounds of football providing 18 match days for a winners prize of $100,000, second place $50,000, and third $25,000.
The additional venues to be used include the St James Police Barracks Grounds, St James; Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Diego Martin; Arima Municipal Stadium, Arima; and the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.
While the focus, for now, is on the staging of the top flight ten-club competition, Edwards noted that discussions are also continuing with representatives of the six T&TFA regional associations inclusive of the Eastern Football Association (EFA), Central Football Association (CFA), Southern Football Association (SFA), Northern Football Association (NFA), Tobago Football Association (TFA), and the Eastern Counties Football Union (ECFU) to host their tournaments to the $1.5 million as well.
The Ascension League is also expected to be aired on SportsMax and two local television stations so far.
-
Cunupia FC coach: New talent will emerge through Ascension League
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday)
CUNUPIA FC coach Michael De Four is satisfied that local football will resume in a few weeks, saying that the Ascension Football League will allow new talent in T&T to emerge.
Local players have been inactive over the past two years because of the covid19 pandemic.
A media release, on Tuesday, signed by Ascension League tournament director Keiron Edwards confirmed the league has been approved and will start on March 25 and end on July 31.
“We wish to confirm that the Ascension tournament of TT is prepared and we have received written permission from the Minister of Health (Terrance Deyalsingh), Minister of Sport and Community Development (Shamfa Cudjoe) and the chairman of the normalisation committee (Robert Hadad) to proceed,” the release said.
The news about the Ascension League follows the announcement by the Ministry of Sport and Community Development that a safe-zone return-to-play proposal was approved. It came into effect on January 24.
Only fully-vaccinated people are allowed to participate in local sport including athletes, coaches and officials.
Edwards confirmed that all those who will be involved in the Ascension League are fully vaccinated.
“Most notably, we have already confirmed that all teams participating in the tournament have all players and support staff fully vaccinated. As the country continues to strive towards some sense of normalcy during this difficult period, we believe that the restart of contact sports, particularly football, will boost the morale of our citizens and recharge the passion we once had for this sport.”
De Four was elated to hear the news that a local league will be starting.
“We welcome the opportunity to restart,” De Four said.
De Four is hopeful “some point in time” all players vaccinated or not, will be allowed to play in local football leagues.
De Four said people will see new faces on the Cunupia FC squad. “We will have a lot of new players this year. A lot of new guys who have also been out of touch who probably not familiar with the league.”
The Ascension League will allow new talent in local football to develop, according to De Four.
“The league running is only one of the factors that affect the performance of the national team…I think it offers the opportunity to see additional new players who may have slipped through the cracks.”
Head coach of the national senior men’s football team Angus Eve is one of many clamouring for the resumption of local football. The Ascension tournament will be broadcasted live on SportsMax, a regional television network and streamed on the internet at https://theascensiontournament.com/ in over 20 countries.
The ten teams set to compete in the league are AC Port of Spain, Central FC, Cunupia FC, Central Soccer World, Defence Force FC, Deportivo PF, Malabar FC, Police FC, Real West Fort Utd and Terminix La Horquetta Rangers FC.
The organisers are hoping to reward the winner of the league with a prize of $100,000. The second-place finisher will earn $50,000 and the third-place team will walk away with $25,000.
The La Horquetta Recreation Grounds, Diego Martin Recreation Ground, Arima Velodrome and St James Barracks will be used for matches, along with other enclosed grounds to control who enters and leaves the venues.
Strict covid19 protocols will be followed during the tournament, including only allowing fully-vaccinated fans to attend.
-
why no south and central grounds are being used ?
-
Army, Rangers in super Ascension clash
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)
POLICE FC will have some new faces when they kick off the 2022 version of the Ascension Invitational football tournament against Deportivo Point Fortin next Friday, March 25, at La Horquetta recreation ground.
Opening day takes the form of a double-header that will be carried regionally on the SportsMax television network and will also be aired live via the internet. Negotiations are also taking place to have the matches carried locally on TV6.
The opening match of the double-header will see a new-look Police FC taking on Point Fortin Deportivo from 6 pm. Two hours later, star-studded 2019 runners-up Terminix La Horquetta Rangers take defending Premier League champions Defence Force.
Ascension Invitational financier Richard Ferguson expressed relief to have finally gotten the tournament going after two years of football inactivity due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“It has been a long time coming,” Ferguson said. “The Minister of Sport has worked very, very hard and she is very committed to taking the sport forward.”
In addition to three of the top professional teams in Trinidad and Tobago, Defence Force F.C, Police F.C. and Terminix La Horquetta Rangers F C, Ascension Invitation 2022 will see two-time Pro League champions Central FC, AC Port of Spain, Malabar FC, Cunupia FC, Ron La Forrest’s Real West Forte United, Deportivo Point Fortin and Central Soccer World competing.
Participating clubs will vie for a $100,000 first prize. Second gets $50,000 and third will receive $25,000. The tournament will be played under “safe zone” conditions, with only vaccinated footballers, fans and officials allowed to enter the playing venue.
Tournament director Kieron Edwards told the Express that almost all is in place to begin the tournament.
“With two other tournaments also being approved, the Tiger Tank Under-20 and so on, all have to be played under safe zone conditions so there is a little juggling for the venues. But we should have the full fixtures out by Friday,” Edwards said.
The inaugural season of the Ascension Invitational Tournament took place in 2019. Defence Force F.C won the top division before going on to win the 2019/2020 Trinidad and Tobago Pro League. Terminix La Horquetta Rangers Football Club finished second in the Ascension Invitational Tournament 2019, second in the First Citizens Cup 2019 and second in the Pro League 2019/2020, while Police F.C. won the 2019 First Citizens Cup knockout tournament.
“Friday Night Live” double-headers will be played at La Horquetta and will be aired locally, regionally and internationally. Games will be combined with other forms of entertainment to reflect true “Trini culture”, inclusive of cheerleaders, dancers, rhythm sections, DJs and live performances which will also be showcased live on television.
Tickets are available at $20 for uncovered stands/grounds and $40 for covered stands. Tickets bought in advance will cost $10 less.
-
Ron relishes challenges with football's big guns.
T&T Guardian Reports.
Ron La Forest, former striker now turn football professor, is reveling at the prospect of the challenges before him at the Ascension Invitational Football League which gets going on Friday.
As the coach of new team, Real West Fort United, La Forest has the unenviable task of taking on some of the local football 'big guns' in the sport, such as Defence Force, Police and Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, among others.
Real West Fort will represent the constituency of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and according to La Forest, he is hoping that both club and prime minister will hold hands as they strive towards the eradication of crime in the area, provide avenues for many young people and return the community to the place of sanctuary for many, that it once was.
Real will open its account with a clash with Cunupia FC from 6 pm at the La Horquetta's Recreation Ground in Phase 2, La Horquetta. La Forest, who like many other clubs, had to stop their preparation more than two years ago because of the COVID-19 pandemic, told Guardian Media Sports that in spite of the short time to prepare, these are the kind of challenges he lives for.
"I like challenges so this is good for me, so it's up top me to mix and match them now and go forward and bear fruit. I love these challenges, the army, the Police, Terminix, these are the big ones.
"As a player, I used to enjoy playing against the big ones and that philosophy remained with me. I want to play against the big ones, so the timespan is short but I love the challenge.
"It wasn't really a challenge for me to prepare for the match because as a player you're supposed to be able to take care of yourself, get yourself fit, no trainer can get you fit. When you come to me, of course, I will add on the physical and technical skills but so far the players, the majority of them, feel good and looking good," La Forest explained.
His West Fort United will comprise a blend of youth and experienced players such as attacking midfielder Josimar Belgrave and Keron 'Ballpest' Cummings. Belgrave said at 35, his role this season will be to teach while he plays.
The club's goal is to play in the T&T Pro League and be among the top football teams in the country.
La Forest welcomes football after such a long time of inactivity and promises that given the opportunity to have sponsors at their side, it will be a magical time for the community of Diego Martin and surrounding areas, to look forward to in the future.
-
Good Luck!!!!
-
I watched a stream of AC PoS take on Central FC at the Barracks. Good thing is pre=season. They have a lot of work to do. Central has 2 players. the DaCosta twins. One came on the field and first touch was an easy tap in. The ACP LB tried to shield the ball and lost it and the ball went to DaCosta. His brother play in defence. Both of them may be about 6 feet. But our players kind of magga. They need the wight room badly. ACP has a mid fielder name Sedale McLean. The kid can kick the ball hard. Other than that, it was nice seeing a small crowd coming to support. Good Luck to them.
-
Cunupia FC, Police lead Ascension tourney after round one.
By Andrew Gioannetti (T&T Newsday).
T&T men’s beach soccer player Dominic McDougall, along with former national Under-20 midfielder Micah Lansiquot, defender Kaleb Douglas and Kevon Daniels, were all on target when Cunupia FC shot to the top of the Ascension Football League, following a 4-1 victory over Real West Fort FC in the opening round, on Friday.
At Phase II La Horquetta Recreation Ground, McDougall rounded off Cunupia’s scoring in first-half added time, after a flurry of early goals from Lansiquot (third minute), Douglas (11th) and Daniels (14th) put coach Michael De Four’s travelling team out of reach quickly out of reach.
Josiah Joseph scored Real West Fort’s consolation goal in the 61st minute. Meanwhile, Terminix La Horquetta FC hosted Defence Force and played to a 1-1 draw.
Justin Garcia scored for Defence Force in the 27th minute, before Tyrone Charles replied for La Horquetta in the 47th minute, moments after coming on as a substitute at the start of the second period.
On Saturday, Police FC defeated Deportivo PF 3-0 at the Arima Velodrome a day later to go joint top with Cunupia FC.
Central Soccer World was also victorious in the first round, beating Moruga FC 1-0 in the second fixture at the Arima Velodrome.
Central FC took on FC Port of Spain at the St James Police Barracks. Action ill resume with round two on Friday when Deportivo PF meets AC Port of Spain at at Phase II La Horquetta Recreation Ground at 6 pm. Rangers will meet Police FC at the same venue two hours later.
RELATED NEWS
Police FC, Central Soccer World start with victories.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).
T&T Police and Central Soccer World were both in winners row when the 2022 Ascension League of T&T continued with a double-header at the Arima Municipal Stadium, Arima, on Saturday night.
In the opener, the Lawmen got a goal each from Kareem “Scooby” Freitas, Kevin Lewis and Tyrese Bailey to blank Deportivo Point Fortin FC 3-0 while Central Soccer World edged Moruga FC 1-0 thanks to a second-minute strike from Jaikaran Moses.
Last night (Sunday, March 27), Central FC and AC Port-of-Spain faced off at the St James Police Training Barracks, Long Circular Road St James, from 5 pm.
On Friday in the opening double-header, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers held defending champions Defence Force to a 1-1 draw while Cunupia FC blasted Real West Fort FC 4-1.
The second instalment of the Ascension Invitational Football League features ten clubs in the Premier Division inclusive of Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, T&T Defence Force, T&T Police, Malabar FC, Central FC, Deportivo Pt Fortin, Central Soccer World, AC Port-of-Spain, Cunupia FC and Real West Fort FC.
The ten clubs will compete in two rounds of football which will comprise 18 match days and the winner will earn a $100,000 cash prize and trophy, second place $50,000, and third $25,000.
The additional venues to be used include the St James Police Barracks Grounds, St James; Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Diego Martin; Arima Municipal Stadium, Arima; and the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.
The league was first held in 2019, as a pre-season event to the T&T Pro League season with record-domestic league champion Defence Force capturing the Division One crown and $125,000 top prize, while San Fernando Giants won Division Two and $100,000.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition was not held in 2020 or last year, with this year’s competition being staged with a budget of $3.5 million with $175,000 in prize money.
The venues to be used include the St James Police Barracks Grounds, St James; Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Diego Martin; Arima Municipal Stadium, Arima; and the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.
The ten teams that are participating in the league are AC Port-of-Spain, Central FC, Cunupia FC, Central Soccer World, Defence Force FC, Deportivo PF, Malabar FC, Police FC, Real West Fort Utd and Terminix La Horquetta Rangers FC
According to Tournament Director, Keiron Edwards the six T&TFA regional associations inclusive of the Eastern Football Association (EFA), Central Football Association (CFA), Southern Football Association (SFA), Northern Football Association (NFA), Tobago Football Association (TFA), and the Eastern Counties Football Union (ECFU) as well the Women’s League Football (WoLF) will be sponsored by the Ascension organisers.
-
HIGHLIGHTS: La Horquetta Rangers vs Defence Force
https://www.youtube.com/v/iXkyFhqbFaw
HIGHLIGHTS: Cunupia FC vs Real West Fort United
https://www.youtube.com/v/Xnm2taykjpI
-
La Horquetta Rangers silence Police FC 4-2.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).
Host team Terminix La Horquetta Rangers shot to the top of the Ascension Football League on Friday night with an exciting 4-2 triumph over Police FC in front of their fans at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, but previous leader Cunupia FC had the opportunity to retain their advantage on Saturday against Central FC at the Arima Velodrome.
After a 1-1 stalemate with defending champions and close rival Defence Force in their opening match last week, Rangers made amends with a classy display that left even their opponents in shocking admiration.
Yesterday, Police coach Richard Hood said Rangers were well organised and disciplined. They stuck to their game plan and they executed well, congrats to them.
Playing in the feature match of a doubleheader at the La Horquetta venue from 8 pm, former national striker Ataullah Guerra fired the easterners in front from the penalty spot in the 24th minute which sparked wild celebrations among the fans. However, the celebrations lasted just 16 minutes before Gabriel Nanton skilfully curled a freekick beyond Rangers' goalkeeper Jabari Brice in the 40th minute.
Both teams went to the half-time interval with the score levelled at one apiece but the level of fitness among the players decided the match thereafter.
Within the space of eight minutes, Rangers got goals from Junior Assoon in the 72nd, Kadeem Corbin in the 74th and Ross Russell Jr in the 76th to seal the win, despite an item from Mickel Gordon in the 90+4 minute for the Lawmen.
The win took Rangers to four points ahead of Cunupia FC who led with three points after their 4-1 victory over Real West Fort United, last week.
Hood said his team lacked movement in their build-up, thereby playing right into the hands of Rangers.
"Police did not execute well on their game plan. Another problem is that we have a lot of new young players who have not yet understood the Police style of football. However it is something that can be worked on at training," Hood explained.
Police will next meet Cunupia FC on April 10 at the St James Barracks.
Meanwhile, AC Port of Spain and Deportivo Point Fortin (PF) played to a 2-2 tie in the opening game. Mark Ramdeen (15th) and Akinola Gregory (55th) found the nets for the Point Fortin men but they were respectively cancelled out by items from Anthony Charles (43rd) and Kyle Bartholomew (67th).
AC Port of Spain have now drawn their two matches and looks forward to maximum points when they face Central Soccerworld.
Technical director Gilbert Bateau said: "We went wrong in a few areas in terms of closing down and playing the ball too long in one area of the field without moving it.
"One of the things is that the players don't trust their fitness level as a team and that is one of the biggest breakdowns because of the pandemic.
"It was a fitness factor because when the guys fitness level started to leave them, what we had was fragment running in the field of play, where they would play in spurts until they feel like their energy levels came back up.
"After we played Central FC we went back to the drawing board and started to work on the transition of play needing to be faster. We had two draws so hopefully within the week leading up to that game, the guys would focus on getting the job done."
Results
Rangers 4 (Ataullah Guerra 24th, Junior Assoon 72nd, Kadeem Corbin 74th, Ross Russell Jr 76th) vs Police 2 (Gabriel Nanton 37th, Mickel Gordon 90+4).
Deportivo PF 2 (Mark Ramdeen 15th, Akinola Gregory 55th) vs AC Port-of-Spain 2 (Anthony Charles 43rd, Kyle Bartholomew 67th)
Today's match
Real West Fort FC vs Moruga FC, St James Park Barracks, 5 pm.
RELATED NEWS
Cunupia notch second straight win in Ascension League.
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
CUNUPIA FC notched their second straight win in the Ascension Football League on Saturday, with a 3-1 result over Central FC in the first game of a second round double-header at the Arima Velodrome.
Veteran striker Kevon "Showtime" Woodley scored a hat-trick for Cunupia FC, who sit atop the ten-team table with six points.
In the other game on Saturday, former Trinidad and Tobago striker Jamille Boatswain netted twice as Defence Force cruised past Central Soccer World 2-0.
The weekend's round of matches began with a double-header at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, Arima.
Terminix La Horquetta Rangers got items from Ataullah Guerra, Junior Assoon, Kadeem Corbin and Ross Russell jnr as they whipped Police 4-2. Gabriel Nanton and Mickel Gordon were the goal-getters for the lawmen.
In the latter contest on Friday, Deportivo Point Fortin and AC Port of Spain battled to a 2-2 draw. Mark Ramdeen and Akinola Gregory were on target for Deportivo Point Fortin, while Anthony Charles and Kyle Bartholomew got their names on the scoresheet for AC Port of Spain.
There was one game which was staged on Sunday at the Police Barracks, St James, with Real West Fort FC ekeing out a 1-0 win over Moruga FC.
Round Three action will take place from April 8-10.
Points Tally –
1.Cunupia FC 6;
2.Rangers 4;
3.Defence Force 4;
4.Police 3;
5.Central Soccer World 3;
6.Real West Fort FC 3;
7.AC Port of Spain 2;
8.Central FC 1;
9.Deportivo Point Fortin 1;
10.Moruga FC 0.
-
Saw some good ball. Still have work to do. Fitness is one of the issues. Nice to see the supporters coming out.
-
HIGHLIGHTS: La Horquetta Rangers vs Police FC
https://www.youtube.com/v/y8hc12oqpf8
HIGHLIGHTS: Deportivo PF vs AC Port of Spain
https://www.youtube.com/v/Gjq8u84G8qk
-
Why didn't Jabloteh play in this league? Are they out of football? Also, I saw a player by the name of Real Gill. A pretty decent short man. Never heard of him before. How old is he ? He remind me a bit of Keron Cummins
-
Why didn't Jabloteh play in this league? Are they out of football? Also, I saw a player by the name of Real Gill. A pretty decent short man. Never heard of him before. How old is he ? He remind me a bit of Keron Cummins
I guess teams have their own reasons for not participating. Apart from Jabloteh, other notable absentees are W Connection, Morvant Caledonia, and Club Sando.
Real Gill is 19 years old and is a Jabloteh product, since at least U-13.
-
Why didn't Jabloteh play in this league? Are they out of football? Also, I saw a player by the name of Real Gill. A pretty decent short man. Never heard of him before. How old is he ? He remind me a bit of Keron Cummins
I guess teams have their own reasons for not participating. Apart from Jabloteh, other notable absentees are W Connection, Morvant Caledonia, and Club Sando.
Real Gill is 19 years old and is a Jabloteh product, since at least U-13.
Hope he don't get spoiled. Good yute man to work with. They have to do it now. After the next 2 years he will be set in his ways. Good luck yuteman. Thanks for the info.It have another yuteman called Sedale McLean. I think he is it point. Not sure. He is decent and has a hard shot.
-
Quamina: I will approach Moruga as any other game
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian)
La Horquetta Rangers coach Dave Quamina will not be taking last-place Moruga FC lightly as his team will take a similar approach to the match as in any other in the Ascension Football League on Friday.
Second-placed Rangers will face Moruga in the feature match of a double-header at the Phase II La Horquetta Recreation Ground today at 8 pm and if they come away with the win, will assume the top position on the standings, providing the result of the opening match between Defence Force and Deportivo PF.
Both Rangers and Defence Force are on four points from a win and a draw.
Quamina told Guardian Media they will not change their game-plan for any other team, saying: “We will play our natural game. We will play our natural game, no game is an easy game because on the day itself you have to go out there and perform.
“It’s just that we have to go out there and play our natural game. We have to show our opponents respect, not because you’re at the bottom of the league you will go into the game saying that you won already, you must show the opponent respect.
“We’re not going to re-invent the wheel, it’s the same. Everybody knows how we do play. Everybody knows our team so everybody has a fair idea of how we play.
“There is no strategy in how we play so we will not try to change for the next team. We try to focus on our game which is entertaining football, so if our football is attacking football we will play attacking football, just our natural game.”
Rangers played to a goalless draw with giants Defence Force in their opening game of the tournament but later rebounded to a 4-2 triumph over AC Port of Spain at the same venue last weekend.
In the other match of the night, defending champion Defence Force will have a date with Deportivo FC at the same venue from 6 pm. The army/coast guard combination team is in the third position on the standing after a 2-0 triumph over Central Soccerworld at the Velodrome last weekend.
Coach Hutson Charles who had concerns over the team’s performance in the second half of the Central Soccerworld match, said they have sorted out their concerns in the last match and will be going after the win later.
MATCHES
Friday
Defence Force vs Deportivo PF, La Horquetta Recreation Ground, 6 pm
La Horquetta Rangers vs Moruga FC, La Horquetta Recreation Ground, 8 pm
Saturday
Central FC vs Real West Fort, Arima Velodrome, 5 pm
Central Soccerworld vs AC PoS, Arima Velodrome, 7 pm
Sunday
Police FC vs Cunupia FC, St James Barracks, 5 pm
-
Central Soccer World 1 vs AC PoS. Going on currently.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ag0uwHzueao
-
Rangers demolish Moruga FC 11-2 in Ascension League.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
ISAIAH Lee scored a hat-trick to lead Terminix La Horquetta Rangers to a crushing victory over Moruga FC in the Ascension Football tournament at La Horquetta Recreation Grounds, on Friday.
Lee scored in the seventh minute, 39th minute and 57th minute to guide Rangers to a convincing 11-2 victory.
Also finding the back of the net for Rangers were captain Jamal Creighton (tenth), Junior Asson (18th, 45th+1), Akim Andrews (46th, 59th), Ataulla Guerra (71st) and Ross Russell Jnr (82nd).
Yahtham Henry scored an own goal for Moruga in the 60th minute.
Moruga showed more promise in the first half as after 30 minutes Rangers held on to a slim 3-2 lead.
Atiba Charles scored in the 17th minute and Jeremy Carter converted in the 30th minute for Moruga FC.
Rangers scored two more goals in the first half to take a 5-2 advantage at halftime, before a dominant performance in the second half gave the home team a comfortable win.
Rangers moved to the top of the standings after three matches.
In the earlier match at La Horquetta Recreation Grounds, Defence Force and Deportivo Pt Fortin played to a 1-1 draw.
On Saturday, a double header was held at Arima Velodrome. Central FC played Real West Fort FC and Central Soccer World battled AC Port of Spain.
On Sunday, Cunupia FC will be aiming for a victory against Police FC at the St James Police Barracks at 5 pm. Three points for Cunupia FC will see the unit return to the top of the standings.
RELATED NEWS
Lee nets beaver trick in Rangers’ 11-2 rout.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).
Isaiah Lee netted the first beaver trick of the Ascension Football League while Junior Assoon and Ross Russell Jr added a brace each as La Horquetta Rangers routed cellar-placed Moruga FC 11-2 in the feature match of a double-header at the Phase II La Horquetta Recreation Ground on Friday night.
With the win, Rangers moved to the top of the ten-team table with seven points from three matches, one ahead of Cunupia FC who meets Police FC at the St James Police Barracks Training Ground, Long Circular Road, St James, today (Sunday) from 5 pm while defending champions Defence Force sits in third with five points after a lacklustre 1-1 draw with Deportivo Point Fortin in Friday’s opening match.
In Friday’s feature match, the goals came fast and furious and from early on as Lee fired Rangers ahead in the sixth minute before captain Jamal Creighton made it 2-0 in the ninth minute off a feed from former national Under-20 standout Kadeem Corbin who had a hand in no fewer than four of his team’s goals on the night.
Moruga FC coached by former national women’s player Dernelle Mascall did show some fight early on and pulled a goal back in the 16th minute through Atiba Charles on a fast-break against the run of play before Assoon restored Rangers’ two-goal cushion at 3-1 a minute later.
However, some sloppy play with the ball at his feet by Rangers goalkeeper Jabari Brice gifted Moruga a second goal in the 30th minute via Jeremy Carter to reduce the deficit to 3-2 before Lee got a second in the 38th, and Assoon, likewise on the stroke of half-time for a commanding 5-2 advantage at the interval.
Within a minute of the restart, Lee completed his hattrick and in the 56th minute, he got his fourth item for a 7-2 scoreline while substitute Aikim Andrews (58th), Russell (59th and 82nd), and another substitute, Ataulla Guerra (71st) also got their name on the scoresheet.
In the other match of the night, Brent Sam headed Defence Force into the lead in the 11th minute with a free back-post header from a Hashim Arcia corner before Akinola Gregory got Deportivo Point Fortin level seven minutes later with a close-range effort that flew through the hands of goalkeeper Aaron Enill.
Last night (Saturday, April 9), at the Arima Municipal Stadium, Central FC came up against Real West Fort, and Central Soccer World played AC Port-of-Spain.
The ten clubs will compete in two rounds of football providing 18 match days for a winners prize of $100,000, while second place gets $50,000, and third $25,000. (NS)
The additional venues to be used include the Diego Martin Sporting Complex, Diego Martin, and the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo.
The league was first held in 2019, as a pre-season event for the T&T Pro League season with record-domestic league champion Defence Force capturing the Division One crown and $125,000 top prize, while San Fernando Giants won Division Two and $100,000.
However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition was not held in 2020 or last year, with this year’s competition being staged with a budget of $3.5 million with $175,000 in prize money.
-
After 31 mins. Police 0 vs Cunupia 0 at the Police barracks. Nice crowd and nice rythm section. So Central TT has W Connection, Cunupia, Central FC, Central Soccer World in the pro league. Times have changed. I think that is good indeed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsWzohTgKs8
-
Police won 2-1. In a both entertaining and sometimes scrappy game. Keon Daniel scored for Cunupia. Still has that flashes of brilliance. It appeared to be a nice atmosphere. Kudos to the organisers.
-
HIGHLIGHTS: La Horquetta Rangers 11-2 Moruga FC
https://www.youtube.com/v/ATQzMT5GK10
HIGHLIGHTS: Deportivo Point Fortin 1-1 Defence Force
https://www.youtube.com/v/rFnLfDyNyMI
-
Why didn't Jabloteh play in this league? Are they out of football? Also, I saw a player by the name of Real Gill. A pretty decent short man. Never heard of him before. How old is he ? He remind me a bit of Keron Cummins
I guess teams have their own reasons for not participating. Apart from Jabloteh, other notable absentees are W Connection, Morvant Caledonia, and Club Sando.
Real Gill is 19 years old and is a Jabloteh product, since at least U-13.
Prior to Jabloteh he was with Trendsetter Hawks, with whom he was handed the armband as a U-11.
-
Police FC keeps pressure on La Horquetta Rangers.
By Rachael Thompson-King (T&T Guardian).
Terminex La Horquetta Rangers came away with a hard-fought 4-2 win over Central Soccer World in the Ascension Invitation Football League on Friday night, in the second match of a second-round double-header at Phase 2 Recreation ground in La Horquetta.
Rangers had four different players find the net to keep their team at the top of the 10-team table with 10 points from four matches with three wins and a draw.
Khadeem Corbin opened the scoring in the 22nd minute to send the home team’s fans into a celebratory mood. However, Kemmuel Rivers cancelled out that goal, scoring 11 minutes later, to level the scores, 1-1 and it remained that way until the half-time whistle.
On the resumption, Rangers, coached by Dave Quamina, made several changes to their line-up which paid dividends as substitute Ataullah Guerra put his team ahead again in the 54th.
Three minutes later, Rangers thanks to Isaiah Lee, who was named “Player of the Week” at the end of the match, went up 3-1 and continued to push for more goals but Rivers had other plans.
He returned in the 79th minute to score his second goal of the match past goal-keeper Jabari St Hillaire and reduced Central Soccer World’s deficit to one, (3-2) but that was shortlived as another substitute Daniel David restored Rangers two-goal lead, a minute later and put the icing on the cake.
Rangers coach Quamina was pleased with the win and expressed his respect for the effort from Central Soccer World.
“Kudos to CSW team. They have very experienced players and a good coach. The plan was to win the game first which we did. It was a very intense game. They made us work extremely hard. I just want to ‘big up’ the staff and coach of the CSW team and I think they will go far in the league,” said Quamina in the post-match interview.
Earlier in the opening clash, Jabari Mitchell scored a double to lead Police past Real West Fort United, 4-0 to move into second place in the standing.
Rash challenges from the Real West Fort saw Police go to the penalty spot twice in two minutes. Gabriel Nanton completed the first in the 23rd minute and Mitchell in 26th to put the Lawmen up 2-0.
Central defender Kemron Purcell made it 3-0 off a set-piece which saw him head the ball past the Real West Fort custodian in the 43rd. The scores remained unchanged at the half.
Mitchell got his second item, seven minutes into the second half to give his Police team an even bigger lead (4-0) which they held on to when time expired.
Mitchell, who was later named “Player of the Match”, said: “A little more energy was required from me. I think I executed that tonight (Friday).
His coach Richard Hood added: “We were pressing the ball decently. I would have liked us getting more in transition. We won a lot of balls but we didn’t finish off the transition very well. Our organisation was really good. I was happy about that.”
RESULTS
POLICE 4 (3) (Gabriel Nanton 23rd pen, Jabari Mitchell 26th pen, 52nd, Kemron Purcell 43rd) vs REAL WEST FORT 0.
Player of the Match: Jabari Mitchell (Police)
TERMINEX RANGERS 4 (1) (Khadeem Corbin 22nd, Ataullah Guerra 54th, Isaiah Lee 57th, Daniel David 80th) vs CENTRAL SOCCER WORLD 2 (1) (Kemmuel Rivers 33rd, 79th)
Player of the Match: Daniel David (Rangers)
Player of the Week: Isaiah Lee (Rangers)
RELATED NEWS
Rangers remain top of Ascension League.
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
TERMINIX LA Horquetta Rangers remain top of the pack in the Ascension Football Tournament, after defeating Central Soccer World 4-2 in the second of back-to-back matches at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, Arima on Friday, as Round Four action got going.
Rangers have a tally of ten points from four matches, one point ahead of Police, who trounced Real West Fort United 4-0 in the earlier encounter on Friday.
Kadeem Corbin, Ataullah Guerra, Isaiah Lee and Daniel David got their names on the scoresheet for Rangers, while Kemuel Rivers and Trinidad and Tobago striker Nicholas Dillon responded for Central Soccer World.
Gary Griffith III, son of former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith, made his debut for Real West Fort, but the lawmen stole the show, courtesy of a double from former TT midfielder Jabari Mitchell and one apiece from Gabriel Nanton and Kemron Purcell.
There were no matches at the Arima Velodrome on Saturday, due to the staging of the Easter Grand Prix cycling meet. Nevertheless, those scheduled games will take place on Monday, at the Velodrome, with the cellar-placed Moruga FC opposing Cunupia FC from 5 pm followed by a clash between Defence Force and AC Port of Spain two hours later.
On Sunday, at the Police Barracks in St James, Central FC will entertain Deportivo Point Fortin from 5 pm.
-
Kevon Woodley doubles up for Cunupia.
By Roger Seepersad (T&T Express).
Cunupia FC bounced back from their 2-1 loss against Police FC last week with an easy 2-0 victory over Moruga FC in the first match of the Ascension Football League double-header at Arima Velodrome yesterday.
Skipper Kevon Woodley, who was named Man-of-the-Match, scored both items for Cunupia as they moved level on points with Police FC with nine points with an identical goal difference.
Ahead of them are Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, who lead the pack on ten points.
Yesterday, Moruga started off positively with Reyon King Alleyne forcing Kadeem Graham into action with a good long-range shot aimed at the top corner.
But it was Cunupia that broke the deadlock in the 39th minute with Dominic Douglas collecting a throw-in and putting in a low cross to Woodley who found himself alone in the front of goal.
The Cunupia skipper buried his right-footed shot into the top corner beyond the Kerdeem Duncan in goal to give his team the lead heading into the half-time break.
Cunupia doubled their advantage nine minutes into the second period from the penalty spot and it was Woodley who stepped up to convert the spot kick, hitting the ball low to the left with Duncan getting to it but unable to keep it out.
AC Port of Spain were due to take on Defence Force in the second game at the Velodrome last night.
On Sunday, Deportivo Point Fortin got their first win of the tournament at the Police Barracks in St James, beating Central FC 2-0 with goals coming from Nathaniel Garcia and Luke Phillip.
Deportivo, who lost their opening game 3-0 against Police FC, had back-to-back draws against AC Port of Spain (2-2) and Defence Force (1-1) before notching a win in the only match scheduled for Easter Sunday.
Garcia opened the scoring for the Point Fortin team in the eighth minute as Luke Phillip’s cross into the box was cleared by the defender at the far post but only as far as Garcia, who ran right down the middle and unleashed a right-footed bullet that was low and just out of reach of the diving Kolapo Katibi in goal for Central FC.
A couple of minutes later, Central had a chance through Keasean St Rose but keeper Marvin Phillip was up to the task, keeping out the long-range effort. Keegan Faria also tried a shot from distance in the 15th minute but that didn’t trouble the experienced Phillip.
At the other end, Finice Thompson got a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on Akinola Gregory just outside the penalty area and Garcia stepped up to take the resulting free kick which was well read by Katibi who made an easy save.
Deportivo continued to press deep into the Central FC half, with Isaiah Hudson trying his luck from distance but his effort sailed high over the bar as Deportivo took their 1-0 lead into the half-time break.
Deportivo got their second goal in the 71st minute with Luke Phillip collecting a cross and putting his shot past Katibi to give the Point Fortin team a 2-0 advantage.
The margin of victory could have been a lot wider had Deportivo made good on all of their chances but Garcia said they were still pleased with the win and will be eying another three points when they face leaders Terminix La Horquetta Rangers in their next match.
“Very important win seeing as how we were a bit low on the table,” Garcia said after the victory.
“Getting these three points in my first game, it is an honour. Marvin (Phillip) is playing a big part in the team. He is the anchor man now. We have a good all-round team with youth and seniority. So, this was a great win for us and it will kick us forward to the next game against Rangers on a high and we will be going for another three points,” he added.
Meanwhile, Central FC coach Ross Russell said it wasn’t the type of performance he would have wanted from his team but appreciated the fight shown by his young squad.
“I think the performance was down and the energy level wasn’t there but I think the guys still fought. It is a work in progress and we have to start a lot better,” said Russell.
It was the second loss of the season for Central who now sit second from last on the ten-team standings on two points from four matches.
Deportivo PF are now up to fifth on the table with five points from four games while Rangers lead the pack with ten points.
Ascension League Results:
Yesterday
Moruga FC 0 vs Cunupia FC 2 (Kevon Woodley 39th, 54th, pen.)
Sunday
Deportivo Point Fortin 2 (Nathaniel Garcia 8th, Luke Phillip 71st) vs Central FC 0
-
Woodley hat-trick hands Cunupia FC victory in Ascension League.
T&T Newsday Reports.
KEVON “Showtime” Woodley scored his second hat-trick of the tournament to lead his team Cunupia FC to a comprehensive 4-1 victory over AC Port of Spain in round five of the Ascension Football tournament played at the La Horquetta Ground, on Friday.
The red-hot “Showtime” dazzled his opponents for the entirety of the match with his first goal coming in the 19th minute from an unmarked header after a smart Kwasi Allen chip inside the box.
Woodley doubled the lead in the 38th minute after running on to a pass from former national midfielder Keon Daniel and letting loose a ferocious strike near post giving goalkeeper Regaleo Holder no chance.
AC`s midfielder Che Benny made the game interesting as he scored from a streaky free kick that somehow found the back of the net in the 54th minute to cut Cunupia’s lead in half.
Throughout the second half AC went searching for that elusive equalizer but the tournament`s leading scorer Woodley put the game to rest in the 84th when he volleyed home his third goal of the encounter and his ninth of the season. To rub salt in the wound of AC POS, Josiah Daniel tapped in his team`s fourth goal in stoppage time giving his namesake Keon Daniel his second assist of the night whilst sealing the 4-1 victory.
The home crowd of Terminix La Horquetta Rangers grew accustomed to celebrating multiple goals on a Friday from their team, but the matchup against Deportivo Point Fortin was keenly contested.
It took one moment of brilliance from Rangers striker Kadeem Corbin on the hour mark to separate the teams. Corbin was first to react from a failed defensive clearance and he slapped it past national goalkeeper Marvin Phillip for the lone goal and a 1-0 win for Rangers.
Rangers lead the standings with 13 points, followed by Cunupia with 12. On Saturday, Central Soccer World played Real West Fort Utd at 5 pm at Arima Velodrome. At the same venue from 7 pm, Defence Force tackled Central FC.
On Sunday, Moruga FC will face Police FC at the St James Police Barracks, from 5 pm. A victory by at least three goals for Police FC will see the unit move ahead of Cunupia in the standings.
-
Cunupia FC aim to make mark in Ascension Football League
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday)
CUNUPIA FC are aiming to make their mark in the 2022 Ascension Football tournament with an entertaining, fast-paced and attacking brand of football.
Cunupia FC have made an impressive start to the campaign and sit in second place in the standings.
Captain Kevon “Showtime” Woodley has been leading the charge for Cunupia FC.
The tall, imposing Woodley has already found the back of the net nine times this season which includes two hat-tricks.
In round five, Woodley’s hat-trick guided Cunupia FC to a 4-1 win over AC Port of Spain at La Horquetta Recreation Grounds, on Friday.
The Ascension League that recently kicked off is the first action in local football since the covid19 pandemic began in March 2020.
Crowds have been showing up to view the matches, especially on a Friday night at La Horquetta Grounds. Every Friday a double-header is played at the venue.
Cunupia FC are no stranger to success winning several titles in their 14-year existence.
The Ramsingh Sports World Central Football Association (CFA) FA trophy (2012 and 2014), Sanitank CFA League Cup (2013) and the CNG National Gas Company National Super League Championship Division (2016) are some of the titles Cunupia FC have claimed in their history.
“The team is coming along,” head coach Michael De Four said when Newsday visited a training session at Prime Minister’s Ground in Five Rivers.
De Four knows winning the Ascension title will be a tough task as the league is filled with quality teams.
“We are not a stand-alone team. We have other competitors and they have their challenges and aspirations and that’s the beauty of the game.
“We have some weak areas so we need to strengthen those…we would want to be able to keep compactness and concentration in attack and in defence…maintain the concentration throughout the 90 minutes and not get caught up in whatever is happening.”
Despite an impressive showing in the 2022 Ascension campaign, the team remain unsponsored and only rely on owners De Four and Navin Charles.
“I try my best and my partner (Charles),” De Four said.
De Four said to continue growing as a club sponsors are required.
“It is of paramount importance. Administratively you can expand when the finances (are there) in terms of having staff to do things.”
One of the areas De Four highlighted is the marketing of the club.
If the club could afford to market themselves regularly on social media and gain more followers, sponsors will be encouraged to jump on board.
Speaking about the players who he expects to lead from the front, De Four said, “My skipper Kevon Woodley, you have a (quality) midfielder Keon Daniel, we have some nice little players coming in…I feel my starting team is quite good.”
De Four was barking out instructions to his players during the training session, saying, “We need to run them to the ground.”
Speaking about his team’s fitness, the Cunupia head coach said, “Fitness is important to any team, but more importantly to us because we try to press high and you can’t press high if you’re not fit.
“We could play the game we want to play as the fitness improves which has not really been displayed as yet.”
Describing Cunupia FC’s brand of play, De Four said, “We play a fast-paced, attacking football…we don’t really sit back. We don’t play much of the counter (attacking football), we just press and try to move the ball as quick as possible. The football is entertaining because that is what you want to see and you want to see a good quality and players not making bad passes.”
Woodley is satisfied that his players are progressing.
“So far the team has been gelling (and) putting in the work in the training field,” Woodley said.
“I just want my team to keep focused. The instructions that the coach give us put it out in the training ground…we want to get the W (win), but we just want to play good football.
“There is no I in a team. We play together as a team, we attack together, we defend…we work for one another.”
Woodley is an experienced player who has been part of the TT beach soccer team for years.
Woodley said the younger players must stay focused in order to have success.
Highlighting some of the players who will be instrumental to the team’s run in the 2022 campaign, Woodley said, “The likes of Keon Daniel (has) good experience…Maestro Mensah is a good addition to the team.”
Former national player Trevin Caesar, Kadeem Graham and Kristian Maloney are also among the standout players at the club.
Daniel, who had two assists in the 4-1 victory over AC Port of Spain, is a former national men’s senior player.
-
Tallman, any info on what is TTFA will be doing for club football when this league finishes in about 2 months ?
-
Tallman, any info on what is TTFA will be doing for club football when this league finishes in about 2 months ?
Not ah peep. Unless dey keeping it tight lipped, local football may yet come to a standstill after the Ascension League finishes.
-
HIGHLIGHTS: Cunupia FC 4-1 AC Port of Spain
https://www.youtube.com/v/OL8GusDjSh0
HIGHLIGHTS: La Horquetta Rangers 1-0 Deportivo PF
https://www.youtube.com/v/J7mKpAWDgW4
-
Moore nets treble as Defence Force whip Central FC.
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
TRINIDAD and Tobago winger Reon Moore netted a treble as Defence Force whipped Central FC 4-0 on Saturday, at the Arima Velodrome, in the second of back-to-back matches in the fifth round of the Ascension Tournament (also known as Ascension Football League).
With that result, Defence Force are in fourth spot with 11 points, trailing leaders Terminix La Horquetta Rangers (13), Cunupia FC and Police (12 apiece).
Moore got things going after two minutes of play, angling a right-footed effort to the left of goalkeeper Farqur Katibi, after he got a through-ball from central midfielder Justin Sadoo.
Striker Jamille Boatswain doubled Defence Force’s advantage in the eighth minute, slotting home from close range after excellent work down the left flank by Moore.
In the 13th, Moore netted the third goal for the Army-Coast Guard combination, heading home a corner from Jelani Felix.
Moore will complete his hat-trick in the 87th minute, with a right-footed blast to the right of Katibi, after a neat exchange between substitutes Kathon St Hillaire and Rivaldo Coryat.
In the earlier fixture at the Arima Velodrome, Real West Fort United defeated Central Soccer World 1-0.
On Sunday, at the Police Barracks in St James, hosts Police brushed aside the point-less Moruga FC 3-0.
Kadeem Hutchinson put the lawmen ahead in the 34th minute while, four minutes later, former T&T attacker Jabari Mitchell drilled home a low shot, from the edge of the penalty area.
And, in the 81st minute, Kemron Purcell headed home a cross from Mitchell to secure Police’s fourth win of the season.
On Friday, in a double-header at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground in Arima, Cunupia FC breezed past AC Port of Spain 4-1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OL8GusDjSh0) and Rangers pipped Deportivo Point Fortin 1-0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7mKpAWDgW4).
Points Standings – 1.Rangers 13; 2.Cunupia FC, Police 12; 4.Defence Force 11; 5.Real West Fort United 7; 6.Deportivo Point Fortin 5; 7.Central Soccer World 4; 8.AC Port of Spain 3; 9.Central FC 2; 10.Moruga FC 0.
-
Tallman, any info on what is TTFA will be doing for club football when this league finishes in about 2 months ?
Does the Normalization Committee ever have a plan though?
-
Tallman, any info on what is TTFA will be doing for club football when this league finishes in about 2 months ?
Does the Normalization Committee ever have a plan though?
The NC has a plan ... whether it is palatable or discernible to those who will have to digest it is another thing.
Silence has a destination that is not always appreciated by those accustomed to consistently emptying vessels.
Shrewdness is in progress. There's still time to mitigate the fallout.
-
Tallman, any info on what is TTFA will be doing for club football when this league finishes in about 2 months ?
Not ah peep. Unless dey keeping it tight lipped, local football may yet come to a standstill after the Ascension League finishes.
Ent.
-
Charles’ double help Rangers clobber West Fort 5-2.
By Walter Alibey (Guardian).
Two goals from Tyrone Charles ensured that Terminix La Horquetta Rangers maintained their unbeaten run and their top position in the Ascension Football League against Real West Fort United 5-2 in the feature match of a double-header at the Phase II Recreation Ground in La Horquetta on Friday night.
Coach Dave Quamina’s men held a one-point lead on both Cunupia FC and Police FC entering the contest as both were scheduled to be involved in action on Saturday, but it didn’t take long before their fears were allayed, as Kahim Thomas was picked out with a pin-point Real Gill’s right-side centre inside the goal area, and following a deaf first-touch, Thomas’ second touch of the ball sent the crowd to its feet, as he lashed it hard and low past the goalkeeper in the 13th minute.
Charles didn’t take too long to get into the action, benefiting from an earlier Maurice Dick effort which crashed against the crossbar from a left-side centre, before Charles was on spot to receive the rebound and skilfully elude a challenge from a defender before firing the ball into the back of the net for a 2-0 Rangers advantage.
Later, Charles turned provider when he lifted a pass to Jomoul Francois three minutes before the half-time interval. Facing confrontation from the onrushing goalkeeper, Francois skilfully lifted the ball into the empty net for a 3-0 scoreline.
he game seemed to be heading to the break with the scores unchanged before West Fort got a consolation item. Sean De Silva, returning to the West Fort fold for the encounter, whipped a cross to Keron Cummings who beat the goalkeeper with a one-time shot in the 43rd minute.
Coach Ron La Forest sought to make some adjustments in his defensive structure at the interval but it didn’t prevent Rangers from going another goal up in the 46th minute.
Charles fed a long ball inside the West Fort area, took it down nicely before he curled the ball into the top far right post for a 4-1 lead.
Both teams continued to trade attacks in the moments that followed, but it was Rangers who received their fifth goal courtesy of an own goal by Osei Charles in the 79th minute.
A minute later, West Fort got their second item of the game from the penalty spot. Defender Ross Russell Jr got the slightest of touches on Cordell Samuel inside the penalty area as he made his way to goal in the 80th minute. Cummings calmly sent the goalie the wrong way in the 81st minute for a final 5-2 scoreline.
In the first game, Deportivo PF thrashed Central Soccer World 3-0. The Point Fortin men got goals from Shackiel Henry in the 21st, Mark Ramdeen 29th and Hughton Hector in the 88th minute.
STANDINGS
Teams*P*W*D*L*F*A*GD*Pts
1*RANGERS*6*5*1*0*26*9*17*16
2*CUNUPIA FC*5*4*0*1*14*5*9*12
3*POLICE FC*5*4*0*1*14*5*9*12
4*DEFENCE FORCE FC*5*3*2*0*10*3*7*11
5*DEPORTIVO PF*6*2*2*2*8*7*1*8
6*REAL WEST FORT UNITED*6*2*1*3*7*15*-8*7
7*CENTRAL SOCCER WORLD*6*1*1*4*5*12*-7*4
8*AC PORT OF SPAIN*5*0*3*2*7*11*-4*3
9*CENTRAL FC*5*0*2*3*4*12*-8*2
10*MORUGA FC*5*0*0*5*2*18*-16*0
Today’s match
Police FC vs AC Port of Spain, St James Barracks, 5 pm
RELATED NEWS
Defence Force second in Ascension after Moore brace
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsady).
A BRACE from Soca Warriors striker Reon Moore gave Defence Force FC a crushing 5-0 win over Cunupia FC when the Ascension Football League tournament continued, on Saturday.
With the win, Defence Force moved from fourth place to second place (14 points) in the standings.
Moore scored in the 11th minute to give Defence Force an early lead in the match played at Arima Velodrome.
Jameel Boatswain found the back of the net in the 19th minute and Brent Sam gave Defence Force a comfortable 3-0 lead at half-time with a 31st minute item.
Moore was on target again in the 65th minute and Dylon King rounded off the scoring in stoppage time.
Cunupia dropped from second to fourth place (12 points) after the defeat.
In the first match at the venue, Central FC snatched their first win of the season with a 5-2 win over the winless Moruga FC.
Keasean St Rose netted a hat-trick (20th, 51st, 77th) to guide Central FC to the commanding win.
Romario Burke (65th) and Renaldo Francois (85th) also scored for Central FC on the night.
Keruille Jerimiah got on the score sheet for Moruga FC in the 39th and 54th minutes to make it 2-2 at one stage, before Central FC controlled the final 25 minutes of the match.
Central are now seventh in the ten-team standings with five points and Moruga FC are last with zero points.
On Friday at the La Horquetta Recreation Grounds, Deportivo FC defeated eighth placed Central Soccer World 3-0. Shackiel Henry (21st), Mark Ramdeen (29th) and Hughton Hector (88th) were on target for fifth placed Deportivo.
In the second match at La Horquetta, home team Terminix La Horquetta Rangers maintained their position at the top of the standings (16 points) with a 5-2 victory over Real West Fort Utd.
Tyrone Charles’s (21st, 46th) brace propelled Rangers to the win. Kahim Thomas (14th), Jomoul Francois (42nd) and Osei Charles (78th) added an own goal.
Former national player Keron Cummings scored in the 43rd minute for sixth placed Real West Fort Utd and another from the penalty spot in the 81st minute.
-
Police FC keeps pressure on La Horquetta Rangers.
By Rachael Thompson-King (T&T Guardian).
Terminex La Horquetta Rangers came away with a hard-fought 4-2 win over Central Soccer World in the Ascension Invitation Football League on Friday night, in the second match of a second-round double-header at Phase 2 Recreation ground in La Horquetta.
Rangers had four different players find the net to keep their team at the top of the 10-team table with 10 points from four matches with three wins and a draw.
Khadeem Corbin opened the scoring in the 22nd minute to send the home team’s fans into a celebratory mood. However, Kemmuel Rivers cancelled out that goal, scoring 11 minutes later, to level the scores, 1-1 and it remained that way until the half-time whistle.
On the resumption, Rangers, coached by Dave Quamina, made several changes to their line-up which paid dividends as substitute Ataullah Guerra put his team ahead again in the 54th.
Three minutes later, Rangers thanks to Isaiah Lee, who was named “Player of the Week” at the end of the match, went up 3-1 and continued to push for more goals but Rivers had other plans.
He returned in the 79th minute to score his second goal of the match past goal-keeper Jabari St Hillaire and reduced Central Soccer World’s deficit to one, (3-2) but that was shortlived as another substitute Daniel David restored Rangers two-goal lead, a minute later and put the icing on the cake.
Rangers coach Quamina was pleased with the win and expressed his respect for the effort from Central Soccer World.
“Kudos to CSW team. They have very experienced players and a good coach. The plan was to win the game first which we did. It was a very intense game. They made us work extremely hard. I just want to ‘big up’ the staff and coach of the CSW team and I think they will go far in the league,” said Quamina in the post-match interview.
Earlier in the opening clash, Jabari Mitchell scored a double to lead Police past Real West Fort United, 4-0 to move into second place in the standing.
Rash challenges from the Real West Fort saw Police go to the penalty spot twice in two minutes. Gabriel Nanton completed the first in the 23rd minute and Mitchell in 26th to put the Lawmen up 2-0.
Central defender Kemron Purcell made it 3-0 off a set-piece which saw him head the ball past the Real West Fort custodian in the 43rd. The scores remained unchanged at the half.
Mitchell got his second item, seven minutes into the second half to give his Police team an even bigger lead (4-0) which they held on to when time expired.
Mitchell, who was later named “Player of the Match”, said: “A little more energy was required from me. I think I executed that tonight (Friday).
His coach Richard Hood added: “We were pressing the ball decently. I would have liked us getting more in transition. We won a lot of balls but we didn’t finish off the transition very well. Our organisation was really good. I was happy about that.”
RESULTS
POLICE 4 (3) (Gabriel Nanton 23rd pen, Jabari Mitchell 26th pen, 52nd, Kemron Purcell 43rd) vs REAL WEST FORT 0.
Player of the Match: Jabari Mitchell (Police)
TERMINEX RANGERS 4 (1) (Khadeem Corbin 22nd, Ataullah Guerra 54th, Isaiah Lee 57th, Daniel David 80th) vs CENTRAL SOCCER WORLD 2 (1) (Kemmuel Rivers 33rd, 79th)
Player of the Match: Daniel David (Rangers)
Player of the Week: Isaiah Lee (Rangers)
RELATED NEWS
Rangers remain top of Ascension League.
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
...
By what benchmark is Daniel David being assessed?
His non-inclusion in the national U-20 training squad (as announced) seems curious, if not outrageous.
-
I did not see the game an I can make any assessment on Daniel. But I do like Real Gill. And I think he was selected on the U-20 squad.
-
Did anyone saw an add about a new football league starting up at centre of excellence?
-
I did not see the game an I can make any assessment on Daniel. But I do like Real Gill. And I think he was selected on the U-20 squad.
He was.
Regarding Daniel David:
I am not suggesting presumptive inclusion in the final tournament squad ... just that he is of sufficient quality to be in the U-20 tournament preparation squad.
Toss him into the water in that environment and see how he swims.
-
Rangers, Police, Defence Force lead heated Ascension title race.
T&T Newsday Reports.
MATCHWEEK seven of the Ascension Tournament is set to be feisty at the top of the table as title contenders Police FC and Defence Force seek to claim the top spot from the hosts, La Horquetta Rangers.
Rangers have led the pack since matchweek 3 and will be aiming to keep daylight between them and their title rivals with a victory against Central FC on Saturday. They currently stand on 16 points with Police and Defence Force on 15 points and 14 points, respectively.
The La Horquetta-based team may be league leaders, but their coach believes that it’s too soon for predictions about whether his team can win the title or not. In an interview with Newsday, on Wednesday, Dale Quamina said, “We’re in early days. It’s a competitive league and points are close. Police and Defence Force are two well-coached teams, and Cunupia look solid as well, so I can’t make any predictions.”
Quamina drew reference from Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League semi-final to illustrate how unpredictable football can be. “Look at what happened in the (UEFA) Champions League semi-final. Many predicted that (Manchester) City would have advanced but Real Madrid won against the odds. I’m not the kind of person to declare a winner beforehand. I know it’s a long competition and we will be playing every game as a final.”
Defence Force can go top on Friday if they beat last-placed Moruga FC, who are yet to earn a point so far but can be booted back to third if both Rangers and Police claim three points in their fixtures.
The team lives up to their name by having the best defence in the league, conceding just three goals in the first six games. Their coach Hutson Charles also spoke with Newsday on Wednesday and when asked about his team’s defence, he said, “We have a saying at the club: defence wins championships. That is the mantra we go by. Our two brilliant national defenders Justin Garcia and Curtis Gonzales have been commanding the backline very well. In training, we focus heavily on defending. When we lose the ball, the team drops back and plays from behind, strongly emphasising ball recovery.”
Despite being one of the two unbeaten teams in the league, Defence Force find themselves trailing in the standings due to two draws. Charles said his team must win every game from this point, especially against Rangers and Police. He added that, as defending champions, they are the team to beat and are aiming to win the league again.
“Every team wants to beat us, but we will take things one game at a time and implement our philosophy the best we can to fight for the title. In the army, they say ‘winning is not everything, it’s the only thing’. We are third and haven’t even reached our top gear yet. There’s more to come from us.”
Second-placed Police FC face Central Soccer World (CSW) in the Sunday evening clash. CSW have been struggling in this season’s competition with just four points so far and will be hoping for a change in fortune against one of the league’s top sides. But Police intend to keep the Central side in their slump and maintain the pressure on Rangers at the top.
Police coach Richard Hood believes his senior national team players, Adrian Foncette and Jabari Mitchell, can lead his team through a successful season. He also expressed his displeasure with the lack of Police players on the national team.
“I think that it’s a bit unfair that we only have two national players because there are others who are good enough that have been overlooked over the years”, Charles said, “but we have a very dynamic and balanced squad in all areas. We just have to remain consistent offensively, defensively and in transition.”
As the nation was under restriction for the past two years, many clubs struggled to maintain fitness during the pandemic. The three coaches were asked about their pre-tournament preparation. Police coach Richard Hood said “we started training about a month before the tournament and I think most of the other teams did as well. But I think there are a few teams that had the luxury of training for a longer period, like Rangers – they were training all the time – so I think that they started at an advantage.” Quamina denied the claims that his Rangers team had a lengthy preparation and stated that their training began when the government lifted all restrictions for team sports, which was legislated on March 4th – 21 days before the tournament kicked off.
He elaborated, “the players were responsible for themselves to do their own work. While the restrictions were in place, we conducted training sessions on Zoom. Tactical and technical sessions were part of the itinerary but we mostly focused on fitness. Those sessions were based on dynamic work and muscle memory which consisted of stretching, push-ups, sit-ups and jumping jacks.”
Defence Force manager Hutson Charles said that his team commenced training two weeks before the tournament but he doesn’t see it as a disadvantage. “We would’ve loved to have had a pre-season. However, we accepted that it wasn’t possible and made full use of the little time we had. The season began (with a draw) against Rangers when we weren’t fully fit and prepared but we are now getting into our rhythm and have improved since then.”
On the scoring chart, Cunupia FC’s Kevon Woodley leads with 9 goals followed by Defence Force’s attacking duo, Reon Moore and Jameel Boatswain with 6 goals and 5 goals respectively. Rangers’ Isaiah Lee (four goals) and Tyson Charles (three goals) complete the top five.
Reon Moore will be the player to watch this week after being named Campari Player of the Week for Matchweek 6. The Trinidad and Tobago striker has been the shining light for Defence Force and will be seeking to propel his team to the summit of the table with a scoring impact. His teammates, Justin Garcia and Curtis Gonzales, have also been standout players so far, along with Jameel Boatswain and Justin Sadoo.
Woodley’s talents will also be on show again as he pursues to push his fourth-placed Cunupia team into the top three.
Police’s Jabari Mitchell has been showing his quality with 3 goals from midfield. He is the joint-top scorer for the club alongside Kemron Purcell and Mikhael Gordon.
For the league leaders, Isaiah Lee, Tyron Charles, Ataulla Guerra and Ross Russell Jr have all been dominant in their respective roles.
With things heated at the summit of the Ascension Tournament, matchweek 7 may prove to be crucial in the hunt for the title.
FIXTURES
Friday (La Horquetta Ground)
6:00pm – Cunupia FC vs Deportivo Point Fortin
8:00pm – Moruga FC vs Defence Force
Saturday (Arima Velodrome)
5:00pm – AC Port-of-Spain vs Real West Fort
7:00pm – La Horquetta Rangers vs Central FC
Sunday (St James Police Barracks)
5:00pm – Police FC vs Central Soccer World
-
Sam's hat-trick puts Defence Force in Ascension Football tournament lead.
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
DEFENCE Force are the new leaders in the Ascension League Football tournament as a hat-trick by winger Brent Sam led the unit to a 8-0 victory over Moruga FC at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, on Friday.
With the win, Defence Force moved ahead of Police FC and Terminix La Horquetta Rangers in the standings.
Defence Force now have 17 points from seven matches with five wins and two losses.
Second placed Rangers (16 points) and third placed Police FC (15 points) both have the opportunity to move ahead of Defence Force this weekend.
Rangers faced Central FC at 7 pm on Saturday at the Arima Velodrome. Before that match, AC Port of Spain and Real West Fort Utd played at the same venue, from 5 pm.
On Sunday, Police FC will tackle Central Soccer World at the Police Barracks, St James from 5 pm.
Sam scored in the 22nd minute, 58th and 75th to lead Defence Force to the crushing win over Moruga FC.
Jameel Boatswain added a brace with goals in the 38th and 54th minutes of play.
Justin Garcia (20th), Jamali Garcia (67th) and Kevon Blackman (70th) also got their names on the scoresheet.
In the first match of the double-header, Deportivo PF got past Cunupia FC 2-0.
Andrei Pacheco scored in the sixth minute and Shackiel Henry was on target in the 66th minute.
-
How old is Jacques Poon-Lewis? He is not a bad keeper. His team, West Forte is struggling. His goal was bombardeded by Rangers. . A bit on the small side. I like his agility. Does he have a brother also who plays?
-
How old is Jacques Poon-Lewis? He is not a bad keeper. His team, West Forte is struggling. His goal was bombardeded by Rangers. . A bit on the small side. I like his agility. Does he have a brother also who plays?
His brother (also a GK) played for QRC/ U-20 NT and then moved on to play collegiately at Franklin Pierce (NCAA D-II, decent program with a legacy).
Based on my limited viewing of him, Jacques has exhibited good reflex saves and anticipation. He is ~21 years old. Also has experience in goal as a hockey player. For the moment, I can't endorse beyond that.
In terms of GKs, the player who I thought might do some interesting things is Levi Fernandez.
-
How old is Jacques Poon-Lewis? He is not a bad keeper. His team, West Forte is struggling. His goal was bombardeded by Rangers. . A bit on the small side. I like his agility. Does he have a brother also who plays?
His brother (also a GK) played for QRC/ U-20 NT and then moved on to play collegiately at Franklin Pierce (NCAA D-II, decent program with a legacy).
Based on my limited viewing of him, Jacques has exhibited good reflex saves and anticipation. He is ~21 years old. Also has experience in goal as a hockey player. For the moment, I can't endorse beyond that.
In terms of GKs, the player who I thought might do some interesting things is Levi Fernandez.
Thanks for the info, Asylum. There is some rare talent. But unfortunately we don't have the organisation to harness that talent. About Levi, which team is he playing for in the Acension league? So next time he is playing, I could focus on him. Blessings!
-
How old is Jacques Poon-Lewis? He is not a bad keeper. His team, West Forte is struggling. His goal was bombardeded by Rangers. . A bit on the small side. I like his agility. Does he have a brother also who plays?
His brother (also a GK) played for QRC/ U-20 NT and then moved on to play collegiately at Franklin Pierce (NCAA D-II, decent program with a legacy).
Based on my limited viewing of him, Jacques has exhibited good reflex saves and anticipation. He is ~21 years old. Also has experience in goal as a hockey player. For the moment, I can't endorse beyond that.
In terms of GKs, the player who I thought might do some interesting things is Levi Fernandez.
Thanks for the info, Asylum. There is some rare talent. But unfortunately we don't have the organisation to harness that talent. About Levi, which team is he playing for in the Acension league? So next time he is playing, I could focus on him. Blessings!
He is a former Naps GK who I thought showed promising characteristics. Aside from a stint with the national beach soccer team, he was also with Rangers ... but I don't know whether that remains the case.
-
Ok, Cool!!! Wish him the best if he still into it.
-
Mc Lean hat-trick, Gregory brace move AC PoS, Deportivo up.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).
A hat-trick by Sedal Mc Lean for AC Port of Spain and a double from Deportivo Point Fortin's (PF)Akinola Gregory led to the improvement of both teams on the Ascension Football League standings with one game to go before the halfway stage.
AC Port of Spain moved from seventh to sixth on the table, with nine points after eight matches, following a convincing 6-1 victory over Moruga FC in the opening game of a double-header at the Arima Velodrome on Saturday evening. Gregory's brace on the otherhand, also helped the Point Fortin men complete a 4-0 win over Real West Fort United, and move from fifth to fourth on the standings with 14 points.
The Port of Spain men were cautious not to slip against the league's whipping boys, and after an exchange of attacks in the early moments, Michel Poon-Angeron connected with a glancing header from a right-side centre to put his team ahead 1-0 in the 39th minute.
Coach Walt Noriega sat anxiously with hopes of climbing the table as his team emerged from the half-time interval with only a 1-0 advantage but four minutes later, they added another to open up the floodgates. Midfielder Saeed Charles galloped onto a through ball to beat goalkeeper Kervelle Turner on his first post for a 2-0 lead.
And then Che Benny, who had been standing unmarked on the right side of the penalty area for some time, was eventually picked out with a long ball from left to right. Benny, a former national youth midfielder and futsal player, collected nicely and skipped past the challenge of the advancing Turner, before slotting the ball into an empty net.
Goal number four came in the 67th minute, courtesy of a classic display of counter-attacking football. A poorly taken free kick from Moruga's Nigel John on the left side of the penalty area was quickly cleared down the right flank for Jabari Raphael, who quickly delivered it to Benny in the centre of the field. The latter then slipped the ball inside the area for Mc Lean to hit low under the body of the goalkeeper for a 4-0 advantage.
Moruga pulled a goal back in the 74th minute courtesy of a solo effort from Atiba Charles. The skilful midfielder latched on to a loose ball on the left side of the AC Port of Spain defence, cut in between two defenders inside the area, before hitting it low to the far post for a 1-4 scoreline.
However, it did not affect the final result as Mc Lean sealed the win with goals in the 77th and 88th minutes. First, Poon-Angeron, after a driving run from left to centre, released to Raphael on the right side. Raphael, the instigator of two previous goals for his team, quickly centred for the oncoming Mc Lean to steer in.
Then, Mc Lean beat Turner from the penalty spot after earlier being brought down by Turner himself. The Moruga custodian was initially given a red card by the referee, who later reversed his decision to a yellow card instead.
In the other match, a new-look West Fort was no match for an improving Deportivo PF outfit.
Gregory opened the scoring in the fourth minute, pouncing on the rebound after goalkeeper Jacques Poon-Lewis parried a blistering drive from Isaiah Garcia. Then Gregory sent Poon-Lewis the wrong way from the penalty spot to make it 2-0 in the 37th minute.
Andrei Pacheco was given a gift by Hughton Hector who carved his way through a weak West Fort defence and allowed him the opportunity to calmly slot the ball beyond the dive of Poon-Lewis for a 3-0 scoreline. Hector, denied a goalscoring chance earlier, then drilled the final nail into the Real West Fort coffin by steering in Isaiah Garcia's right-side centre in the 74th minute.
Results
AC Port of Spain 6 (Michel Poon Angeron 39th, Saeed Charles 49th, Che Benny 43rd, Sedal Mc Lean 67th, 77th, 88th) vs Moruga 1 (Atiba Charles 74th).
Deportivo PF 4 (Akinola Gregory 4th, 37th, Andrei Pacheco 55th, Hughton Hector 74th) vs Real West Fort 0.
STANDINGS
Club*P*W*D*L*F*A*GD*Pts
1*Rangers*8*6*2*0*35*11*24*20
2*Defence Force*8*6*2*0*27*5*22*20
3*Police*8*6*0*2*24*11*13*18
4*Deportivo*8*4*2*2*14*7*7*14
5*Cunupia FC*8*4*1*3*15*13*2*13
6*AC PoS*8*2*3*3*16*18*-2*9
7*Real West Fort*8*2*1*5*8*21*-13*7
8*Central FC*7*1*2*4*10*22*-12*5
9*Central Soccer World*7*1*1*5*6*15*-9*4
10*Moruga FC*8*0*0*8*5*37*-32*0
-
Mc Lean hat-trick, Gregory brace move AC PoS, Deportivo up.
By Walter Alibey (T&T Guardian).
A hat-trick by Sedal Mc Lean for AC Port of Spain and a double from Deportivo Point Fortin's (PF)Akinola Gregory led to the improvement of both teams on the Ascension Football League standings with one game to go before the halfway stage.
AC Port of Spain moved from seventh to sixth on the table, with nine points after eight matches, following a convincing 6-1 victory over Moruga FC in the opening game of a double-header at the Arima Velodrome on Saturday evening. Gregory's brace on the otherhand, also helped the Point Fortin men complete a 4-0 win over Real West Fort United, and move from fifth to fourth on the standings with 14 points.
The Port of Spain men were cautious not to slip against the league's whipping boys, and after an exchange of attacks in the early moments, Michel Poon-Angeron connected with a glancing header from a right-side centre to put his team ahead 1-0 in the 39th minute.
Coach Walt Noriega sat anxiously with hopes of climbing the table as his team emerged from the half-time interval with only a 1-0 advantage but four minutes later, they added another to open up the floodgates. Midfielder Saeed Charles galloped onto a through ball to beat goalkeeper Kervelle Turner on his first post for a 2-0 lead.
And then Che Benny, who had been standing unmarked on the right side of the penalty area for some time, was eventually picked out with a long ball from left to right. Benny, a former national youth midfielder and futsal player, collected nicely and skipped past the challenge of the advancing Turner, before slotting the ball into an empty net.
Goal number four came in the 67th minute, courtesy of a classic display of counter-attacking football. A poorly taken free kick from Moruga's Nigel John on the left side of the penalty area was quickly cleared down the right flank for Jabari Raphael, who quickly delivered it to Benny in the centre of the field. The latter then slipped the ball inside the area for Mc Lean to hit low under the body of the goalkeeper for a 4-0 advantage.
Moruga pulled a goal back in the 74th minute courtesy of a solo effort from Atiba Charles. The skilful midfielder latched on to a loose ball on the left side of the AC Port of Spain defence, cut in between two defenders inside the area, before hitting it low to the far post for a 1-4 scoreline.
However, it did not affect the final result as Mc Lean sealed the win with goals in the 77th and 88th minutes. First, Poon-Angeron, after a driving run from left to centre, released to Raphael on the right side. Raphael, the instigator of two previous goals for his team, quickly centred for the oncoming Mc Lean to steer in.
Then, Mc Lean beat Turner from the penalty spot after earlier being brought down by Turner himself. The Moruga custodian was initially given a red card by the referee, who later reversed his decision to a yellow card instead.
In the other match, a new-look West Fort was no match for an improving Deportivo PF outfit.
Gregory opened the scoring in the fourth minute, pouncing on the rebound after goalkeeper Jacques Poon-Lewis parried a blistering drive from Isaiah Garcia. Then Gregory sent Poon-Lewis the wrong way from the penalty spot to make it 2-0 in the 37th minute.
Andrei Pacheco was given a gift by Hughton Hector who carved his way through a weak West Fort defence and allowed him the opportunity to calmly slot the ball beyond the dive of Poon-Lewis for a 3-0 scoreline. Hector, denied a goalscoring chance earlier, then drilled the final nail into the Real West Fort coffin by steering in Isaiah Garcia's right-side centre in the 74th minute.
Results
AC Port of Spain 6 (Michel Poon Angeron 39th, Saeed Charles 49th, Che Benny 43rd, Sedal Mc Lean 67th, 77th, 88th) vs Moruga 1 (Atiba Charles 74th).
Deportivo PF 4 (Akinola Gregory 4th, 37th, Andrei Pacheco 55th, Hughton Hector 74th) vs Real West Fort 0.
STANDINGS
Club*P*W*D*L*F*A*GD*Pts
1*Rangers*8*6*2*0*35*11*24*20
2*Defence Force*8*6*2*0*27*5*22*20
3*Police*8*6*0*2*24*11*13*18
4*Deportivo*8*4*2*2*14*7*7*14
5*Cunupia FC*8*4*1*3*15*13*2*13
6*AC PoS*8*2*3*3*16*18*-2*9
7*Real West Fort*8*2*1*5*8*21*-13*7
8*Central FC*7*1*2*4*10*22*-12*5
9*Central Soccer World*7*1*1*5*6*15*-9*4
10*Moruga FC*8*0*0*8*5*37*-32*0
Is this the same Atiba Charles that played for Trinidad and Tobago?
-
Yes, it is the national player, Atiba.
-
Ascension clubs to each receive $25,000 after first round
T&T Newsday
ALL TEN clubs participating in the Ascension Football Tournament will receive $25,000 apiece at the end of round one thanks to the overwhelming support of the league.
A media release signed by the tournament director of the league Keiron Edwards said, "Please be informed that the organisers of the Ascension Tournament of T&T 2022 is prepared to remit to the participating clubs of the tournament, the sum of $250,000 in appearance fees.
"This is a result of the overwhelming support we have received for the tournament at the end of the first round of games which should finish on 22 May, 2022. Not only have we gotten increased spectator support, but several corporate sponsors have assisted the tournament tremendously."
Among the sponsors are Terminix Trinidad Limited, La Soufriere Maritime Limited, Campari, Magmum, TV6, T&T Express, CNC3 and T&T Guardian.
"As such, each participating club will receive $25,000 at the end of the first round of games of the tournament."
The league organisers said everyone must benefit from the success of the league.
"This initiative is part of the ongoing strategic plan of the tournament of sharing revenue of the tournament with participating clubs to help alleviate their expenses. We also expect this financial support to increase in the future as the tournament improves in popularity."
Discussing the role of the media, the release said, "A critical element of the success of the tournament is the role of the media of bringing the football to the public. Every single game of the competition was streamed on our website https://theascensiontournament.com. The double header games on Friday nights are shown on SportsMax and TV6. The Sunday game was shown on CNC3. With the games on Saturdays and Sundays being also shown on Music and Entertainment TV."
"All games are also shown on Youtube and they are also archived on our website where any interested person can view an entire transmission of a past game. This has clearly brought the local football to the homes of the entire population of T&T and the other Caribbean islands. It has popularised the tournament exponentially."
Players will be seen, the release said. "In addition, such wide media exposure has also provided the opportunity for prospective players to be viewed by professional football scouts with the hope of creating employment opportunities abroad for local players."
The Ascension League thanked the media for their "fantastic coverage and support of tournament" with "special thanks going to SportsMax, TV6, Express, CNC3, Guardian, M&E TV and WI Sports."
-
Rangers fire past Central FC to Ascension top
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).
Out-of-favour national players Kadeem Corbin and Ataulla Guerra both scored second-half doubles to lead Terminix La Horquetta Rangers past a stubborn Central FC 6-2 to regain the outright lead in the Ascension Football League Tournament on Friday night.
Playing the future match of a double-header at the Phase II Recreation Ground, La Horquetta, Rangers were gifted an early lead when Kwami Hughhew scored an own goal after only six minutes, but in the 33rd minute, Leonardo Da Costa got Central FC a shock equaliser to leave both clubs level at the half-time interval.
However, on the resumption, Rangers stepped up the pressure and doubled their lead in the 50th through Corbin, who quickly added a second two minutes later for a 3-1 cushion.
Former USA-based Guerra then joined in the scoring spree with his first and the team's fourth in the 55th minute while Aikim Andrews extended the advantage to 5-1 in the 62nd.
Guerra then completed his double with ten minutes left on the clock for a 6-1 score while Romario Burke got a late second item for Central with four minutes left.
With the win, Rangers moved to 26 points from ten matches, three ahead of 2019 winners Defence Force who had a chance to go top on goal-difference in Saturday night's late match against cellar-placed Moruga FC, while Police FC is third with 21 points and meets Central Soccer World at the St James Police Training Barracks, St James from 5 pm.
In Friday's opener, former national midfielder Hughton Hector also scored twice to lead Deportivo Point Fortin (PF) to a 6-1 spanking of Cunupia FC.
Hector got his goals in the 22nd and 49th minutes while Isaiah Hudson, Omri Baird, Andrei Pacheco and Ezekiel Kesar were also on target for the winners, and Kwasi Allan netted Cunupia's consolation.
The ten clubs are competing in two rounds of football on 18 match days for a winners prize of $100,000, with second place getting $50,000, and third $25,000.
The tournament was first played in 2019, however, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition was not held in 2020 and 2021, with this year’s competition being staged with a budget of $3.5 million, with $175,000 in prize money.
Friday's results:
Deportivo Point Fortin 6 (Hughton Hector 22nd, 49th, Isaiah Hudson 27th, Omri Baird 28th, Andrei Pacheco 66th, Ezekiel Kesar 68th) vs Cunupia 1 (Kwasi Allen 82nd).
La Horquetta Rangers 6 (Kadeem Corbin 50th, 52nd, Ataulla Guerra 55th, 80th, Kwami Hughhew o.g 6th, Aikim Andrews 62nd) vs Central FC 2 (Leonardo Da Costa 33rd, Romario Burke 86th)
Sunday's match:
Venue: St James Police Training Barracks, St James:
Police FC vs Central Soccer World, 5 pm
Teams P W D L F A GD Pts
1. La Horquetta Rangers 10 8 2 0 43 14 29 26
2. Defence Force 9 7 2 0 30 5 25 23
3.Police FC 9 7 0 2 27 12 15 21
4. Deportivo PF 10 6 2 2 22 9 13 20
5. Cunupia FC 10 4 1 5 16 20 -4 13
6. Central Soccer World 9 3 1 5 9 16 -7 10
7. AC PoS 9 2 3 4 17 20 -3 9
8. Real West Fort 8 2 1 5 8 21 -13 7
9. Central FC 10 1 2 7 14 33 -19 5
10. Moruga FC 9 0 0 9 6 39 -33 0
Leading scorers:
10 - Jameel Boatswain (Defence Force)
9 - Kevon Woodley (Cunupia FC)
7 - Brent Sam (Defence Force)
6 - Reon Moore (Defence Force), Mickaeel Gordon (Police FC), Kadeem Corbin (La Horquetta Rangers)
5 - Tyrone Charles, Ataulla Guerra Isaiah Lee (La Horquetta Rangers), Che Benny (AC Port-of-Spain), Sedale Mc Clean (AC Port-of-Spain)
4 - Akinola Gregory, Hughton Hector (Deportivo PF), Kemron Purcell, Jabari Mitchell (Police), Romario Burke (Central FC)
3 - Ross Russell Jr, Aikim Andrews Junior Assoon, Real Gill (La Horquetta Rangers), Joel Lewis (Police FC), Keasean St Rose (Central FC), Kemuel Rivers (Central Soccer World), Andrei Pacheco (Deportivo PF)
2 - Shackiel Henry, Mark Ramdeen, Ezekiel Kesar(Deportivo PF), Gabriel Nanton, Romario Burke, Kareem Freitas (Police FC), Jomoul Francois, Jamal Creighton (La Horquetta Ranges), Keron Cummings (AC PoS), Kerville Jeremiah (Moruga FC), Renaldo Francois, Leonardo Da Costa (Central FC), Jamali Garcia (Defence Force)
1 - Kadeem Hutchinson, Elijah Belgrave, Simeon Bailey (Police FC), Nathaniel Guerra, Luke Phillip, Omri Biard, Nathaniel Garcia, Isaiah Hudson (Deportivo PF), Jaydon Prowell, Saeed Charles, Michael Poon Angeron, Anthony Charles (AC PoS), Ross Dowden, Josimar Belgrave, Josiah Joseph, Cordell Samuel, Sean De Silva (Real West Fort United), Keegan Faria, Kahim Thomas, Daniel David, Real Gill, (La Horquetta Rangers), Dylon King, Kevon Blackman, Justin Garcia, Dwight Quintero, Darius Ollivierra (Defence Force), Nicholas Dillion, Theophilus Bourne, Anthony Parris, Ryan Frederick (Central Soccer World), Keon Daniel, Josiah Daniel, Kwasi Allen (Cunupia FC), Leandro Da Costa (Central FC), Atiba Charles, Keion La Rode (Moruga FC)
Own goals - 4
-
https://theascensiontournament.com/table/league-table/
-
Guerra nets beaver trick for Rangers in Ascension
By Jelani Beckles (T&T Newsday).
FORMER Trinidad and Tobago footballer Ataulla Guerra scored a beaver trick to push Terminix La Horquetta Rangers two points clear of Defence Force in the Ascension Football tournament standings.
Rangers now have 29 points and Defence Force are second with 27 points.
Rangers crushed last-placed Moruga FC 7-1 in the second match of a double header played at the St James Police Barracks, on Friday.
Moruga FC opened the scoring through Tyrese Reifer in the 14th minute, but it was downhill from there for the southern club.
Before the 30th minute mark, Guerra had already completed his hat-trick to give Rangers a 3-1 lead. He scored in the 19th, 22nd and 29th minutes of play.
It was 4-1 at half-time as Emmanuel Thomas found the back of the net in the 32nd minute.
The goals continued to flow in the second half as Kadeem Corbin (54th) and Ross Russell Jnr (80th) were on target.
Guerra netted his fourth with a goal in the 83rd minute.
In the first match, Defence Force and Deportivo played to a 2-2 draw.
Brent Sam and Jameel Cooper scored in the 44th minute and 68th minute respectively for Defence Force.
Getting their name on the score sheet for Deportivo were Nathaniel Garcia (56th) and Shakiel Henry (64th).
-
Guerra, Corbin extend Rangers to lead to 5 points.
By Nigel Simon (T&T Guardian).
Ataulla Guerra scored one goal and made the other for fellow out-of-favour national player Kadeem Corbin to lead Terminix La Horquetta Rangers to a hard-fought 2-1 win over Central Soccer World to extend their lead in the ten-club Ascension Football League at Phase II Recreation Ground in La Horquetta on Friday night.
Playing the feature match of a double-header, Guerra and his team-mates were made to work hard against a resilient Central Soccer World before taking the lead a 1-0 in the 31st minute when Guerra connected with a rebound off goalkeeper Keston Guy and a defender for a joint-league leading tenth goal of the campaign, level with Defence Force’s Jameel Boatswain.
Rangers were then thwarted in their attempt to extend their advantage by Guy while at the other end of the field, Central Soccer World’s efforts from Nicholas Dillon, Kemeul Rivers and Moses Jaikaran were also turned back by Rangers’ custodian and recent senior national team call-up Jabari St Hillaire.
However, on the hour mark substitute Corbin, who replaced Jomoul Francois just before the half-time interval ran onto a through ball from Guerra to fire a right-footed shot into the far corner to double the lead, with his eighth goal of the competition.
Both teams continued to have a go at each on the very heavy surface and with seconds left on the clock, Central Soccer World was rewarded for their efforts when Simon Joseph curled home a free-kick into the top right-hand corner, but it was too little too late.
With the win, their tenth in 12 matches, Rangers pushed their points tally to 32, five more than Defence Force while Police FC and Deportivo Point Fortin are third with 24 points each from 11 and 12 matches, respectively.
In Friday’s opening match, Isaiah Hudson scored as early as the ninth minute and Nartheon Watson, in the 92nd to secure a 2-0 victory for Deportivo PF against Central FC.
On Saturday at the Arima Municipal Stadium, Arima, Moruga FC was to face Cunupia FC while AC Port-of-Spain came up against Defence Force and on Sunday, Police hosts Real West Fort United at the St James Police Training Barracks, Long Circular Road, St James from 5 pm.
Friday’s results
Deportivo Point Fortin 2 (Isaiah Hudson 9th, Nartheon Watson 92nd) vs Central FC 0
La Horquetta Rangers 2 (Ataulla Guerra 31st, Kadeem Corbin 60th) vs Central Soccer World 1 (Simon Joseph 89th)
Today’s match:
Police FC vs Real West Fort, St James Police Training Barracks Ground, Long Circular Road, St James, 5 pm.
Latest standings
Teams P W D L F A GD Pts
1. La Horquetta Rangers 12 10 2 0 52 16 36 32
2. Defence Force 11 8 3 0 35 7 28 27
3. Police FC 11 8 0 3 31 15 16 24
4. Deportivo PF 12 7 3 2 26 11 15 24
5. Cunupia FC 11 4 1 6 16 23 -7 13
6. Central Soccer World 12 4 1 7 15 22 -7 13
7. AC PoS 11 3 3 5 22 25 -3 12
8. Real West Fort 11 3 2 6 14 29 -15 11
9. Central FC 12 1 3 8 17 38 -19 6
10. Moruga FC 11 0 0 11 7 49 -36 0
Leading scorers
10 - Jameel Boatswain (Defence Force), Ataulla Guerra (La Horquetta Rangers)
9 - Kevon Woodley (Cunupia FC)
8 - Brent Sam (Defence Force), Kadeem Corbin (La Horquetta Rangers)
7 - Reon Moore (Defence Force),
6 - Mickaeel Gordon (Police FC), Sedale Mc Clean (AC Port-of-Spain), Che Benny (AC Port-of-Spain),
5 - Tyrone Charles, Isaiah Lee (La Horquetta Rangers), Keron Cummings (Real West Fort)
4 - Akinola Gregory, Hughton Hector (Deportivo PF), Kemron Purcell, Jabari Mitchell, Kareem Freitas (Police), Romario Burke, Leonardo Da Costa (Central FC), Ross Russell Jr (La Horquetta Rangers), Josimar Belgrave (Real West Fort)
3 - Aikim Andrews Junior Assoon, Real Gill (La Horquetta Rangers), Joel Lewis, Gabriel Nanton (Police FC), Keasean St Rose (Central FC), Kemuel Rivers, Moses Jaikaran (Central Soccer World), Andrei Pacheco (Deportivo PF), Jamali Garcia (Defence Force), Shackiel Henry (Deportivo PF),
2 - Mark Ramdeen, Ezekiel Kesar, Nathaniel Garcia, Isaiah Hudson (Deportivo PF), Jomoul Francois, Jamal Creighton, Daniel David (La Horquetta Ranges), Kerville Jeremiah (Moruga FC), Renaldo Francois, (Central FC), Leandro Da Costa (Central FC), Atiba Charles (Moruga), Ryan Frederick, Nicholas Dillion (Central Soccer World), Kwasi Allen (Cunupia FC)
RELATED NEWS
AC POS upset Defence Force, Rangers go five points clear.
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
AC Port of Spain produced a shock 4-3 win over Defence Force at the Arima Velodrome on Saturday, and Terminix La Horquetta Rangers moved five points clear at the top of the 10-team standings, on Match Day 12 of the Ascension Football Tournament.
On Friday, Rangers earned a hard-fought 2-1 win over Central Soccer World, in the second of back-to-back matches at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, Arima.
Ataullah Guerra (31st minute) and Kadeem Corbin (60th) were the goal-getters for Rangers. Simon Joseph pulled one back for Central Soccer World, with a freekick in the 89th.
Rangers have tallied 32 points from 12 games, with Defence Force and Police both on 27, but Defence Force have a goal difference of plus 27, compared to Police’s plus 17.
Deportivo Point Fortin remain fourth with 24 points, followed by AC Port of Spain (15), Cunupia FC (14), Central Soccer World (13), Real West Fort United (11), Central FC (six) and Moruga FC (one).
Deportivo Point Fortin continued their fine form of late with a 2-0 triumph over Central FC. Isaiah Hudson (ninth) and Matheon Watson (90th) found the back of the net for Point Fortin.
On Saturday, in the first of back-to-back matches at the Arima Velodrome, Cunupia FC’s struggles continued as they were held to a goalless draw by Moruga FC. This result saw Moruga earning their first point, in their 12th attempt.
Police needed a second half stoppage-time winner from Elijah Belgrave to earn a 1-0 victory over Real West Fort United, at the Police Barracks in St James, on Sunday.
But Defence Force failed to bridge the gap between themselves and Rangers, as they fell to their first defeat in the tournament.
Jameel Neptune put AC Port of Spain in front after 19 minutes, as he got ahead of Defence Force’s goalkeeper Christopher Biggette and headed a cross from the left by playmaker Che Benny, into the back of the net.
However, Defence Force equalised eight minutes later, after winger Reon Moore met a corner from Jelani Felix and diverted the ball to striker Dwight Quintero, who finished from inside of the six-yard box.
Benny was at the heart of the AC Port of Spain attacks, and he played instrumental roles in a pair of goals, within the space of seven minutes.
In the 30th, Benny slipped a pass to a goal-bound Neptune, who guided his left-footed shot past an advancing Biggette.
In the 37th, Benny’s quickly-taken freekick found Shawndell Augustus who lobbed the Defence Force goalie with a right-footed effort.
Brent Sam reduced the deficit for Defence Force, on the stroke of half-time, with a freekick to the right of the wall and away from keeper Jadel Poon-Lewis.
Moore won a penalty in the 59th minute, when he was tackled by Poon-Lewis, with Sam sending the keeper the wrong way with his spot-kick.
With the scores locked at 3-3, Benny had a chance to restore AC Port of Spain’s advantage in the 74th, but his penalty was denied by Biggette.
However, Benny would have the final say in a pulsating contest two minutes later.
One of the most consistent performers in this year’s tournament, Benny collected a pass from substitute Duane Muckette, wrong-footed the pair of Kevon Goddard and Justin Garcia, and neatly placed his right-footed shot into the back of the net.
-
Police edge AC Port of Spain, Rangers stay top in Ascension
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday)
POLICE moved to second spot in the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament after edging AC Port of Spain 3-2 on Sunday, in a 13th round encounter at the Police Barracks, St James.
But Terminix La Horquetta Rangers stayed on top of the ten-team points standings, with 35 points, following a 2-1 victory over Real West Fort United at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, Arima on Friday.
Defence Force failed in their quest to keep pace with Rangers as they were held to a goalless draw by the struggling Cunupia FC, on Saturday, at the Arima Velodrome.
Police have 30 points from 13 matches, followed by Defence Force (28) and Deportivo Point Fortin (27).
Rangers are the only unbeaten team in this tournament.
On Friday, in the second game of a double-header at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, they were rewarded with goals from Daniel David (18th minute) and Kadeem Corbin (57th), while Real West Fort United benefitted from an own goal from defender Jesus Perez, in the 24th.
In the first game at La Horquetta, in the clash of the cellar-placed squads, Central FC whipped Moruga FC 3-1. Keshan St Rose (36th), Jarique Williams (46th) and Leonardo Da Costa (72nd) were the goal-getters for Central FC.
Jervelle Turner pulled one back for Moruga, with six minutes remaining in regulation time.
Cunupia FC, who have slipped from second to sixth place, earned a valuable point against the Army-Coast Guard combination, in the latter of back-to-back matches at Arima.
Earlier on Saturday, Deportivo Point Fortin got a 90th minute penalty from Nathaniel Garcia to defeat Central Soccer World 1-0.
On a muddy outfield at St James, hosts Police held a 3-0 lead, with items from Kerron St Cyr (36th), Keshawn Hutchinson (73rd) and Juma Clarence (76th).
However, AC Port of Spain registered a pair of goals, in the dying stages of the match, courtesy Kyle Bartholomew and Che Benny.
Points Standings – 1. Rangers 35; 2. Police 30; 3. Defence Force 28; 4. Deportivo Point Fortin 27; 5. AC Port of Spain 15; 6. Cunupia FC 15; 7. Central Soccer World 13; 8. Real West Fort United 11; 9. Central FC 9; 10. Moruga FC 1.
-
After-game fetes a frustration
T&T Express
THE residents of Phases Two and Three of La Horquetta and environs, in Arima, are once again being affected by our neighbouring recreational grounds, located in Phase Two-by the ongoing Football Ascension Tournament.
The football matches run on a three-day schedule starting from Friday nights, with a double-header game played at the La Horquetta Recreational Ground. The games are then followed with an after-fete that lasts till around 1 a.m.
These fetes are accompanied by loud music that rattles the rooftops of the neighbourhood, littering, and loitering by the non-paying patrons on and around the neighbours' compounds, and patrons parking in the entrance of driveways, forcing residents to place objects to avoid this illegal parking.
In addition, 95 per cent of these patrons do not wear masks.
The residents made numerous attempts by contacting the Environmental Management Authority, which has promised to make visits-but to no avail.
The La Horquetta and Arima Police Stations advised that the owner of the recreational grounds and manager of the Terminix Football Rangers, Mr Richard Ferguson, has authorisation to host his events, and they are unable to intervene unless he breaches his permitted time frame.
The officers also advised that the residents should sign a petition and submit it to our councillor. This was done and submitted personally to Mr Kwasi Robinson, who had promised to investigate-but also to no avail.
Phone calls and visits were made to both the councillor's office (Mr Derek LaGuerre) and our MP for La Horquetta, Mr Foster Cummings, who at this point has made no intervention to our appeals.
Emerging from a pandemic, Covid- 19 has taught us about increasing levels of mental health issues, and that humility and compassion can aid in reducing this health implication.
However, we the residents have become very frustrated and depressed about this situation, and further saddened that our local authorities and relevant bodies have not attended to our pleas.
Residents of La Horquetta
-
Rangers remain five points ahead of Police in Ascension
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday)
TERMINIX LA Horquetta Rangers remain five points ahead of Police after the 14th round of matches in the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament over the weekend.
Rangers defeated fifth-placed AC Port of Spain 4-2, in the second of two scheduled games on Friday, at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, Arima.
Josiah Edwards put Rangers in front after three minutes, and ex-Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Ataullah Guerra doubled the lead in the 13th minute.
T&T playmaker Duane Muckette pulled one back, with a freekick, in the 39th minute, but Jamal Creighton restored Rangers’ two-goal lead with a header in the 63rd.
Creighton, the Rangers captain, notched his second goal in the 83rd to give his team a 4-1 advantage.
Nical Stephens netted a header in the 89th, but Rangers were not going to be denied a 12th win of the competition.
The earlier game on Friday, between Cunupia FC and Central Soccer World, was postponed due to an unfit outfield. Police, Defence Force and Deportivo Point Fortin all remained in second, third and fourth place respectively, after convincing Round 14 victories.
On Sunday, Police brushed aside Central FC 5-1 at the Police Barracks, St James.
Striker Juma Clarance broke the deadlock for the lawmen in the 34th, while stand-in captain Kemron Purcell (55th) and Rakim Cabie (63rd) scored headers, from set-pieces, to give Police a 3-0 cushion.
Veteran striker Jameel Perry found the back of the net in the 79th and 80th, but Renaldo Francois gave his team a consolation strike, in the 84th.
In a double-header at the Arima Velodrome on Saturday, Deportivo Point Fortin spanked Moruga FC 5-1 and Defence Force hammered Real West Fort United 5-0.
Points Tally – 1.Rangers 38; 2.Police 33; 3.Defence Force 31; 4.Deportivo Point Fortin 30; 5.AC Port of Spain 15; 6.Cunupia 15; 7.Central Soccer World 13; 8.Real West Fort United 11; 9.Central FC 9; 10.Moruga FC 1.
-
Rangers nearer title...Will meet final challengers Defence Force on Friday
T&T Express
TERMINIX La Horquetta Rangers could be crowned 2022 Ascension football tournament champions as early as this Friday, when they meet defending champions Defence Force.
The teams played to a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the season but a win will see unbeaten Rangers crowned the new champs.
Rangers eked out a slender 1-0 win over second-placed Police FC on Friday night and are now just a win away from capturing the title, with matches remaining against Defence Force, Cunupia FC and Deportivo Point Fortin. Rangers meet Defence Force on Friday at La Horquetta, and are now just a point away from capturing the $100,000 Ascension first prize, having finished runners-up to Defence Force in the inaugural competition held two years ago, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Playing before a big crowd at their La Horquetta home base, Rangers got a late winner, with 33-year-old veteran and former Trinidad and Tobago midfielder Tyronne Charles forcing the ball over the line with just eight minutes left in regulation time to see Rangers past the Boys in Blue.
Following a cagey first half in which the action was even and end-to-end, Police hit the crossbar, before Rangers finally got the breakthrough. Following his winner, Man-of-the Match Charles was confident that Rangers will now win the title.
“I think it’s the first time the club is going to win a piece of silverware and it is a real big feeling,” stated Charles.
Police’s wound was largely self-inflicted. They had now come out of the water break, when veteran goalkeeper Adrian Foncette opted to dwell on the ball rather than clear impending danger away from his penalty area. The ball was thrown into dynamic winger Real Gill and with one bit of magic, the national Under-20 winger split two markers and hit a low shot across the goal. Speedy Charles only had to out-race another former national player, Police right-back Kaydion Gabriel to the ball and touched it in at the back post.
“A good bit of individual skill and at the same time some really poor defending unlocked us and we conceded,” explained Richard Hood, the Police FC head coach. “It is unfortunate that we came out on the losing end tonight but I’m happy with the effort.”
Rangers managing director Richard Ferguson applauded the effort of both teams during a SportsMax post-match interview where he praised the work of Police coach Hood.“I think his team (Police) was absolutely magnificent. They played brilliant football. It is hard to come here and stunt the Rangers attack and they did that,” stated Ferguson. “We average over four goals a game and it’s very difficult for a team to come here and concede just one goal and they (Police) did it very well .”
Ferguson, also the main man behind the Ascension tournament, says that the real winner was the local game.
“I think the real winner is Trinidad football,” Ferguson declared. “This tournament has really brought Trinidad and Tobago football to the fore. It has changed the platform on which it is played. The crowds really coming out...the television is absolutely fantastic and that’s the real winner.”
RESULTS:
(Friday)
AC Port of Spain 2 (Duane Muckette 35th, Josiah Wilson 45th+1) Deportivo Point Fortin 1 (Shackiel Henry 72nd)
La Horquetta Rangers 1 (Tyronne Charles, 82nd) Police FC 0
UPCOMING ASCENSION MATCHES:
(Today)
Real West Fort vs Moruga FC,
St James Barracks, 5 p.m.
-
Gary Griffith III nets twice as Real West Fort trounce Moruga
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday)
FORMER Trinidad and Tobago youth team striker Gary Griffith III scored a pair as Real West Fort United trounced cellar-placed Moruga FC 5-0 at the Police Barracks, St James on Sunday, in a Round 15 encounter of the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament. Griffith III, who was a member of the T&T men’s team during their ill-fated 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, scored a penalty in the 26th minute, and a close-range shot in the 88th.
Jezneel Duntin’s scored an own goal after 22 minutes, and there were strikes from veteran striker Josimar Belgrave (36th) and Kordell Samuel (53rd).
On Friday, Terminix La Horquetta Rangers moved one step closer towards clinching the 2022 crown with a narrow 1-0 victory over Police, in the second of back-to-back matches at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, Arima.
Former T&T winger Tyrone Charles slotted home a pass from T&T Under-20 attacker Real Gill, in the 82nd minute, to secure their 13th victory from 15 games.
In the earlier fixture at La Horquetta, mid-table outfit AC Port of Spain defeated Deportivo Point Fortin 2-1.
Duane Muckette (35th) and Josiah Wilson (43rd) were on target for AC Port of Spain. Shackiel Henry pulled one back for Point Fortin, in the 72nd. With Police slipping up on Friday, Defence Force moved back to second spot with a 5-0 hammering on Central Soccer World, in the second of back-to-back matches on Saturday, at the Arima Velodrome.
Kathon St Hillaire notched a pair (48th and 65th) while Justin Sadoo (50th), Jelani Felix (54th) and Brent Sam (62nd) chipped in with one apiece.
Cunupia FC, who have struggled in the absence of their marksman and captain Kevon “Showtime” Woodley, fell to a 3-1 defeat to Central FC, in the first game on Saturday.
Getting their names on the scoresheet for Central FC were Keasean St Rose (18th), Leonardo Da Costa (22nd) and Romario Burke (45th), with Hakeem Legall (54th) responding for Cunupia.
Points Tally – 1.Rangers 41; 2.Defence Force 34; 3.Police 33; 4.Deportivo Point Fortin 30; 5.AC Port of Spain 18; 6.Cunupia FC 15; 7.Real West Fort United 14; 8.Central Soccer World 13; 9.Central FC 12; 10.Moruga FC 1.
-
Rangers look to wrap up Ascension title today
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday).
TERMINIX La Horquetta Rangers will be looking to wrap up the title, in the 2022 Ascension Invitational Football Tournament, on Friday when they host Defence Force, in a top-of-the-table fixture, at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, Arima.
Rangers have amassed 41 points from 15 points, with their nearest challengers, Defence Force and Police, on 34 and 33 points respectively.
The only unbeaten team left in the competition, a victory for Rangers against the Army-Coast Guard combination can see the Dave Quamina-coached squad taking the title, with two games remaining.
AC Port of Spain will be in action at La Horquetta on Friday, as they will oppose Central FC from 6 pm.
On Saturday, at the Arima Velodrome, the cellar-placed Moruga FC will try to gain at least their second point of the season when they square off against Central Soccer World at 5 pm, followed by the fixture between Real West Fort United and Cunupia FC at 7.15 pm.
Police will face off against fourth-placed Deportivo Point Fortin on Sunday, at the Police Barracks, St James, from 5 pm.
-
After this game. What next for TT football ?
-
Football is back but this competition was always in Rangers favor.
-
Football is back but this competition was always in Rangers favor.
The official league is going to start ? When ?
-
https://theascensiontournament.com/watch-live/
Rangers 1 vs Defence 1. Good game. No holds bar on a wet field.
-
Rangers rise up: New champs crowned; Police and Deportivo in second place fight today
By Ian Prescott (T& Express)
The boys from East Trinidad — Terminix La Horquetta Rangers Football Club — walked away with the $100,000 first prize after surviving plenty pressure when held by defending champions Defence Force to an exciting 2-2 draw on a rain-soaked La Horquetta Recreation Ground on Friday.
Rangers finished second to Defence Force in the Ascension Invitational Tournament 2019, second in the First Citizens Cup 2019 and also placed second to Defence Force in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League 2019-2020. But the 2022 Ascension Championship is the first piece of silverware won by the club.
With league matches left against slumping Cunupia FC and in-form Deportivo Point Fortin, Rangers still have the chance to finish the season unbeaten.
Meanwhile, Defence Force (35 points), third-placed Police FC (33 points) and fourth-placed Deportivo Point Fortin (30 points) are all still in the battle for second place which offers a $50,000 prize and also the chance to join Rangers in a season-ending tournament involving the top two Jamaican Premier League teams and the top two finishers in the Ascension Tournament. A large part of that equation may be solved by today’s meeting between contenders Police and Deportivo at the St James Barracks from 5 p.m.
On Friday, Defence Force dominated the early running in the top-two showdown and were ahead in just the eighth minute when Brent Sam headed home Jelani Felix’s corner kick for a league-leading 15th goal of the season.
Under plenty pressure early on, Rangers worked their way back into the match and were level in the 23rd minute from a deflected Kahim Thomas free kick which deflected off the defensive wall and flew past goalkeeper Aaron Enill.
The earlier pattern continued early in the second half, with Defence Force pushing forward and Rangers looking to break on the counter-attack. Eventually, it was Rangers who struck, with substitute Kadeem Corbin forcing in the rebound for 2-1, following a block on Ataullah Guerra’s attempt on goal.
Defence Force dominated the second half possession but Rangers were motivated to keep them out, while themselves only having the occasional attack on the break. While Defence Force often failed in their execution in the attacking third, it was also stellar work from Rangers’ goalkeeper Jabari St Hillaire which kept them at bay.
Asked what was the difference between the teams in a post-match interview, Army coach Hutson Charles replied: “I think it was Jabari. He had a really good game.”
St Hillaire made crucial saves and won Man-of-the-Match honours. As the home crowd went through the tension-filled final quarter, St Hillaire twice bravely saved at the feet of Kathion St Hilliare and Dwight Quintero. He had earlier also produced an outstanding flying tip to keep Sam’s hot free kick from entering the top corner, and was lucky when Rivaldo Coryat’s left-footer sneaked past the post with five minutes left.
But there was nothing St Hillaire could do to stop Reon Moore’s wonder goal which produced a superb equaliser at 2-2 in the 90th minute. With the ball looping inside the area, it went from Moore’s chest, to feet, and into the net in one motion, never touching the ground. Shocked, even the home fans applauded.
The Army launched into full attack consequently and the final minutes were tension-filled and heated with both Army midfielder Kevon Goddard and Rangers defender Jesus Perez temporarily forgetting that they were former team-mates on Trinidad and Tobago’s 2015 Caribbean Championship-winning team. Both were given red cards and sent off during a heated moment. However, Rangers survived the late test, to win the title and a first piece of silverware since moving East to La Horquetta.
“It was not easy,” stated relieved keeper St Hillaire.
Meanwhile, Army coach Charles said: “I thought it was a fair result. Both teams came out and played really good football. Let me congratulate the Rangers team, they deserve it. They played unbeaten in the tournament so far and they deserve it.”
Rangers head coach Dave Quamina was beaming a brighter than usual smile, having won the title. He thanked everyone who was instrumental in their success.
“You live for these nights,” he stated. “Tonight was a good game on a heavy ground; a fast-paced game.”
RESULTS:
Terminix La Horquetta Rangers 2 (Kahim Thomas 23rd, Kadeem Corbin 54th) Defence Force 2 (Brent Sam 8th, Reon Moore 90th)
AC Port of Spain vs Central FC (Postponed)
UPCOMING MATCHES:
(Today)
Police FC vs Deportivo Point Fortin, Police Barracks, St James, 5 p.m.
-
Rangers, Defence Force, Police win in Ascension
By Joel Bailey (T&T Newsday)
TERMINIX LA Horquetta Rangers, Defence Force and Police were all in winners’ row over the weekend, on the penultimate round of matches in the Ascension Invitational Football Tournament.
Rangers, the 2022 tournament champions, registered their 14 th win in 17 matches, with a 3-1 result over fourth-placed Deportivo Point Fortin, in the feature game on Friday, at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground, Arima.
Kadeem Corbin (12th minute), Ataullah Guerra (32nd) and Tyrone Charles (47th) were the goal-getters for Rangers. Akeem Redhead pulled one back for Point Fortin, in the 74th.
In the first encounter at La Horquetta, AC Port of Spain took care of fellow mid-table outfit Cunupia FC 3-1.
Sedale McLean netted a double for AC Port of Spain, in the 62nd and 64th minutes, and Jabari Raphael notched the third in the 79th. Caleb Douglas got his name on the scoresheet in the 43rd for Cunupia.
Second-placed Defence Force brushed aside the lowly Central FC 4-0 on Saturday, in the second of back-to-back fixtures, at the Arima Velodrome.
Winger Kathon St Hillaire broke the deadlock in the 35th minute, and midfielder Justin Sadoo extended the lead in the 67th.
Defender Justin Garcia notched Defence Force’s third item in the 76th, and TT winger Reon Moore completed the scoring in the 89th.
Central Soccer World rallied from a goal down to spank Real West Fort United 4-1 in the earlier game at the Arima Velodrome.
Keston Bibby-Cummings put Real West Fort United ahead on the half-hour mark, but Central Soccer World responded through Moses Jaikaran (45th), Keilon Burnett (46th), Kevon Williams (55th) and an own goal from Nalique Quow (59th).
On Sunday, third-placed Police trounced Moruga FC 6-2 at the Police Barracks, St James.
Points Standings – 1. Rangers 45; 2. Defence Force 38; 3. Police 36; 4. Deportivo Point Fortin 30; 5. AC Port of Spain 21; 6. Cunupia FC 18; 7. Central Soccer World 16; 8. Real West Fort United 14; 9. Central FC 12; 10. Moruga FC 4.
Round 18 Fixtures
July 29: Terminix La Horquetta Rangers vs Cunupia FC; Police vs Defence Force.
July 30: Moruga FC vs AC Port of Spain; Deportivo Point Fortin vs Real West Fort United.
July 31: Central FC vs Central Soccer World.
-
Corbin named Ascension Tournament MVP
By Ian Prescott (T&T Express)
KADEEM CORBIN was named Player of the Tournament as the curtain came down on the Ascension Tournament with the final night on Friday featuring matches at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground.
Corbin was the main talking point seven years ago when Trinidad and Tobago won the Caribbean Under-17 Championship under coach Derek King. His team-mates included Neveal Hackshaw, Jabari Mitchell, Kevon Goddard, Shannon Gomez (captain), Matheion Watson, Jesus Perez, Kurt Seecharan, Akim Andrews and Nicholas Dillon, some of whom have gone on to the senior men’s national team or have established themselves in local football.
Corbin himself has had just one senior cap, coming against Curaçao, seven years ago at that high point in his career. Now a 26-year-old, Corbin makes no apologies about his desire to earn selection onto T&T’s senior team once more.
“I just wanted to send a message,” stated Corbin, when collecting his $5,000 prize after being named Campari Player of the Tournament.
The former St Ann’s Rangers and Central FC forward scored 11 goals this season, finishing third on the goal-scorers list which was led by Brent Sam (16), Ataulla Guerra (15) and Jameel Boastwain (11). Corbin scored twice on Friday night as Team of the Year Terminix La Horquetta Rangers whipped Cunupia FC 7-1 to end the season unbeaten in 18 matches, having already won the tournament and the $100,000 champions prize two weeks ago.
Playing the early match on Friday, Rangers led 5-0 at half-time. They got a hat-trick from Guerra, two from Corbin and a goal apiece from Tyronne Charles and Daniel David, while Josiah Daniel got Cunupia on the scoresheet.
With many of his goals coming at crucial times throughout the season, Corbin explained that he had worked hard in pre-season.
“I was really working on getting it (the ball into the back of the net),” Corbin stated. “As you can see, the tournament come by and I keep on getting it, and it come like art.”
Topping the list of scorers and winning the Golden Boot award was Defence Force striker Sam, the former San Juan Secondary striker and younger brother to Hector Sam, the former Britain-based, ex-T&T winger.
Sam notched his 16th goal of the season on Friday night, getting the winner as Defence Force edged a tough Armed forces Derby 2-1 over Police FC and won $50,000 for ending the season in second spot. Police ended third and won $25,000.
Sam’s winner separated him from Guerra who had joined him on 15 goals, after scoring his hat-trick earlier in the night. The Forces derby was a torrid one which saw both teams having a player sent off.
Defender Rakhim Cabie was first to the showers, dismissed by referee Kwinsi Williams when taking down Sam from behind at the edge of the penalty area, with the striker on a clear path to goal. Jelani Felix then swept the resulting free-kick wide of goalkeeper Adrian Foncette and suddenly Defence Force were leading a tense derby by a 1-0 margin in the 27th minute.
Playing behind the La Horquetta Police station, the “Lawmen” seemed to draw on their reserves of strength, took the attack to the Army and were soon level at 1-1 despite being down a player.
The dead ball gave Police a way back. Jabari Mitchell’s free kick at the edge of the penalty area looked headed to the top corner of the net until a flying save saw Army keeper Aaron Enill touch the ball away for a corner. The resulting Mitchell corner was whipped across and redirected to Kadeem Hutchinson who stabbed in the ball for a 34th minute equaliser.
Sam’s winner also came from a corner, the ball not cleared until coming to Sam whose low shot to the corner gave Defence Force a 2-1 lead in the 65th minute. It was obviously a big moment for Defence Force head coach Lloyd Andrew, who along with his assistant Hutson Charles, also led Defence Force to the 2020 TT Pro League title.
Having begun his coaching career near three decades ago with La Horquetta Dazzlers at the same La Horquetta Recreation Ground, Andrews credited the “determination” of his Defence Force footballers as the reason for winning a very tough match and admitted that Sam’s winning goal might have soothed some nerves.
“When the second goal scored, it was like yes, it was a short time (to go) again,” stated Andrews. “Short time after, referee say that’s it.”
-
Georgia FC continue fine form in Tobago Ascension.
T&T Newsday Reports.
GEORGIA FC took advantage of the inactivity of Sidey’s, in last Wednesday’s Ascension Tobago Football Association Premier League, to perch at the top of the eastern conference.
Playing in front of their home fans last Wednesday, Georgia crushed FC Goodwood 4-0.
After a poor start to the season, losing their first two games, Georgia's fourth consecutive victory was highlighted by a double from J’sean Washington and single items from Kerron Phillips and Andre Lewis.
Washington, who have been a spark in Georgia’s turn of fortunes, registered his fifth goals in two games, following on from a hat-trick over Belle Garden.
Georgia's victory took them to 13 points from seven matches, while Sidey’s dropped to second spot, despite a perfect 12 points from four games.
Belle Garden (11 points), who were also out of action during the week, slipped to third place.
Stokely Vale FC of Plymouth, extended their supremacy at the top of the standings in the central conference, after edging Leeds United, of Whim, 2-1.
Rohan Sebro and Lashawn Roberts stabilised the leaders, with goals in the 37th and 54th minutes. Valton Braithwaite created some late tension in the match, with a response in the 88th minute, but Stokely Vale held their nerves, for the three points.
Mason Hall Police Youth Club missed a golden opportunity to close the gap on second place Signal Hill United in the central conference, when they battled to a 3-3 draw against Golden Lane FC, at Moriah.
Mason Hall were comfortable ahead at the break, following goals from Sherlon Matthews and Juvani Thomas, in the 15th and 31st minutes respectively.
Golden Lane had an immediate impact after the resumption, as Jerime Quashie and Kurtnell Joseph levelled the match within 11 minutes of the restart.
Kenyon Joseph sparked jubilation among the Golden Lane supporters, following his go-ahead goal in the 74th minute. However, it took the composure and brilliance of Jerome Williams, to give Mason Hall a share of the points.
Williams, latched on to a clearance by the Golden Lane defence, following a left side Mason Hall corner, and calmly dribbled pass two defenders and slotted the ball pass the keeper, in the 88th minute.
Stokely Vale lead the top three in the central conference with 21 points from eight games, followed by Signal Hill (14 points) from seven outings and Mason Hall (11 points), also from seven matches.
No games were played in the western conference during the week. The top two zonal teams, following the preliminaries, and the best third place team will automatically qualify for the quarter-finals.
The final qualifier will be determined, after a one game eliminator between the other third place finishers.
-
Phoenix belt Bethel 6-1
T&T Express
Mickaeel Jem Gordon scored a beaver-trick as a no-nonsense 1976 FC Phoenix thrashed former Super League club Bethel United by 6-1 in the Western Conference of the 2022 Ascension Tobago Premier League.
Former W Connection and recent Police FC striker Mickaeel Jem Gordon got a beaver-trick with goals on either side of referee Ashton Benjamin’s half-time whistle (39th, 51st, 54th and 70th). Akiel Holford got the lone item for Bethel in the 65th minute, But senior striker Lejandro Williams (84th) and the youthful Jariel Arthur (88th) completed the scoring for the Canaan/Bon Accord outfit. The win gives Phoenix an eight-point lead over second-placed Lambeau FC, who they play on Sunday, at the Dwight Yorke Stadium.
Playing under wet and slippery conditions, both teams were guilty of failing to keep possession of the ball and stringing passes together. Eventually, Phoenix were able to break the deadlock and in so doing, opened the floodgates. Gordon’s beaver trick moves him to the top of the goal-scoring chart with 13 goals, two more than Lashawn Roberts of Stokely Vale.
Meanwhile, inclement weather forced the cancellation of three of the four matches scheduled for Wednesday. Charlotteville PYC vs Belle Garden SC (Roxborough), St Clair’s Coaching School vs Lambeau FC and Hills Utd vs Carnbee/Mt Pleasant (Shaw Park) had to be called off due to heavy and persistent showers which left the fields unplayable.
Notwithstanding, League president Everton Alfred was still upbeat about all league matches being played. He gave credit to the clubs and the Division of Sport for their support in getting the grounds playable over the last two months, given the weather during the period, after a sluggish start to the season.
TOBAGO RESULTS
1976 FC Phoenix 6 Bethel United 1
Georgia FC 4 Goodwood 0
Stokely Vale FC 2 Leeds United 1
Mason Hall Police Youth Club 3 Golden Lane FC 3
1976 FC Phoenix 6 Black Rock FC 1
Signal Hill United 1 Calder Hall 1
Georgia 3 Belle Garden SC 2
-
Goals raining in Tobago Ascension football's latest round.
T&T Newsday Reports.
IT was raining goals in the latest round of the Tobago Ascension Premier League.
Forty-two goals were scored in six games as the bad weather eased enough to facilitate fixtures last week, at the Mt Gomery and Black Rock recreation fields.
Leeds United were the biggest winners, annihilating Bertille St Clair Coaching Academy (BSSA) 11-1, in the first of a double header at Black Rock on Thursday.
Leeds are out of contention for the quarterfinals but the impressive scoreline, inclusive of a hat-trick from Tereek Richards and double strikes from Tyrel Laptiste and Mikal James, ensured that the Whim boys ended their season on a high.
Signal Hill United were in supreme form against Golden Lane FC in the second game, and came away with an imposing 9-2 result. Christopher Morgan (three goals) and Miguel George (a double) were the principal marksmen for the winners.
Signal Hill (26 pts) are second in the central conference behind Stokely Vale FC (30 pts). Golden Lane have completed their campaign in sixth spot, and along with (BSSA), will have their sights set on a new season.
Lambeau FC showed no mercy for the struggling Hills United on Wednesday, and registered a 9-0 blow-out at Mt Gomery.
Lambeau’s demolition was headlined by hat-tricks from Miquale Franklyn and Hakeem Legall.
Carnbee/Mt Pleasant picked up the most important victory in the western conference, earning a 1-0 win over Bethel United, on Thursday.
Keanuo Braithwaite separated the teams in the 25th minute, to secure Carnbee/Mt Pleasant with three valuable points, which lifted them into third position. one point above Black Rock, now fourth on 14 points.
1976 FC Phoenix are comfortably perched at the top of the west on 28 points. Lambeau's positive result during the week kept them in second on 17 points.
Hills United have not featured in the win column after eight matches, and prop the standings on one point.
Despite Carnbee/Mt Pleasant early struggles, manager Savio Providence is confident of winning the league.
“Our results could have been better at the beginning, but the team has settled now. This is our third consecutive victory, and we fit and ready to win the competition.” Providence said.
Commenting on their season-changing victory over Bethel, Providence said, “The conditions were wet, and anything could happen, so when we scored, the coach told the guys to lock the defence.”
Sidey’s hold the league's only perfect record with eight straight wins, following a 3-1 victory over Belle Garden SC, at the Dwight Yorke Stadium on Wednesday.
Brandon Baptiste, Weah Adams and Moses Bernard got their name on the scoresheet for the Speyside team.
Charlotteville Police Youth Club pulled the biggest upset of the round, in the second game at the stadium.
Charlotteville, sparked by a double from Kerri Mc Donald, and one each from Tirel Chadband and Marcus Caesar, outplayed Georgia FC 4-1.
Despite the loss, Georgia (16 pts), stayed in second place in the eastern conference. Charlotteville (nine pts) are fourth, while Belle Garden (12 pts) are third.
-
Carnbee/Mt Pleasant end Sidey's quest for Premier treble
T&T Newsday
SIDEY’S QUEST for an unprecedented third consecutive Tobago Football Premier League title, ended in the quarterfinal round on Sunday.
The Speyside team held the only perfect record going into the Ascension Tobago League knockout round, and were heavy favourites for a repeat.
However, a resurgent Carnbee/Mt Pleasant outfit, who had to win their last three games to navigate the quarterfinals, had Sidey’s number at the Blackrock Recreation Field.
Following a goalless first half, where Sidey’s had the better exchanges, Carnbee/Mt Pleasant came to life in the second period, and their first goal resulted from a brilliant free-kick, in the 53rd minute.
After a small discussion, Jonathan Cadiz was given the responsibility to have a go from 25 yards. His powerful right-footed shot had enough elevation over the Sidey’s wall, and curled away from the goal keeper, into the back of the net.
Carnbee/Mt Peasant scoring machine, Nave Roach, was in the right spot to convert his team's second goal, following a loose ball scrimmage in the Sidey’s penalty area, on 72 minutes.
With their reign as Tobago champions slipping away, the usually-calm Sidey’s coach, Ako George, was most visible on the sidelines, urging his team for an all-out attack in the remaining minutes.
Carnbee/Mt Pleasant goalkeeper Trevis Noray's Man of the Match performance was on full display in the final minutes, as he withstood Sidey’s onslaught to preserve the 2-nil scoreline.
Savio Providence, Carnbee/Mt Pleasant coach was in a jubilant mood after the game. He said “I told you all we are winning this league.
“After a bad start right now things smooth, our structure is on point, the guys training hard, their energy is up and is a nice vibe in Carnbee/Mt Pleasant.”
Commenting on the game, Providence mentioned, “We changed the structure a bit in the second half, which made the difference for us.
“The spectacular free-kick from Cadiz helped to settle the nerves, and the defence and goalkeeper stood firm in the final minutes.”
Stokely Vale FC secured a 2-0 victory over Belle Garden SC, in the second game, courtesy of a first half double from L’Che Edwards in the 17th and 20th minutes.
In Saturday’s quarter-finals at the said venue, 1976 FC Phoenix eliminated Georgia FC via a 3-0 result.
Phoenix were always in control and were rewarded with two goals from Mickael Gem Gordon in the 32nd and 82nd minutes along with Jabarry Francis in the 37th minute.
Signal Hill United advanced via kicks from the penalty spot over Lambeau FC. Tee Jay Cadiz opened the scoring for Signal Hill on 32 minutes and Jean Pau Felix notch Lambeau’s equaliser in the 70th minute.
Signal Hill were perfect in their spot kicks and celebrated a 5-3 win.
-
Did they ever publish a league table?
Edit: Never mind, on the FA's Facebook page