Valtrin, Maash prevail in Eddie Hart League
Garfield London - Trinidad Express
Monday, October 15th 2007
DFENDING champions Valtrin United and MAASH Internationals enjoyed well deserved victories in their groups as action in the Eddie HART football League continued at the Eddie Hart Savannah in Tacarigua recently.
On Friday night in the second game of a double header, substitute Mark Thorne notched the game winner for MAASH as they edged Paradise FC 2-1 in a Group One clash.
And prolific Dwight Crichlow netted a brace and set up the other for the champs to score a compelling 3-1 triumph over 1999 titleholders Kandahar United in play from Group Two on Thursday evening.
Substitute Thorne, who entered the fray in the last 15 minutes of a very competitive encounter, registered his priceless item for MAASH in the 72nd minute, hammering home a low drive from around the penalty spot, past a diving Paradise custodian, following a move the down the right side.
Earlier in the game, Marlon Warner gave Paradise the lead in the 45th minute after they had dominated a goalless first period.
However, MAASH started the second half purposefully and were rewarded for their play via inspirational captain Stevon Stoute, who grabbed the equaliser with a neat solo effort in the 62nd minute.
The win moved MAASH (11 points) two places up the table into fourth position from seven matches on the back of three wins, two drawn games and two losses.
Star-studded Paradise have now dropped from one-time leaders of the group to seventh spot on the 12-team standings.
On Thursday, prolific Crichlow netted items in the 10th and 54th minutes, and then set-up his striking partner Keston Zico, Henry in the 65th minute to seal the game for his club, before he was substituted with five minutes from regulation time.
Andell Allsop picked up a consolation item for Kandahar nearing the end of the 80-minute encounter. The current champs (15 points) have now recorded five successive wins after a slow start to the season. The good run has sent them flying into second spot in their group, just behind early pace-setters, Bon Air, on 21 points.
However, 2004 and 2005 champions Dread Fire's poor season continued as they were held to a goalless draw by newcomers North Hill, while Ball Runners managed a slim 2-1 over an aging SJ Crown United in game two on Friday night.
Brent Joseph and Dwayne Thomas did the trick for the Chaguanas-based Runners, while Dexter St Louis replied for Crown United in the Group Two contest.
And in the only game last Wednesday, Blue Waters continued to absorb the goals in their maiden EHFLÂ season as they were peppered 12 -2 by a fast-improving OPAC Youth Connection.
The main contributors for OPAC were Keon Wilson (five goals), Rodell Mohammed (three) and Dexter Joslyn, who netted twice to take his tally to eight goals for the campaign, thus far.
Joslyn has now joined Gorean Highley (Bon Air) and Hayden Mitchell of North Hill as the leading goalscorers.
