Belgrave snatches late winner for 10-man Police as Central loses at home.

[Flex]

Belgrave snatches late winner for 10-man Police as Central loses at home.
ttproleague.com.

Elijah Belgrave ruined Central FC’s maiden show at Gilbert Park in Couva on Sunday when he scored a stoppage-time winner to lift 10-man Police FC 3-2 over the side that defeated them in the semi-final round of last month’s 2014 First Citizens Cup, which was later won by the “Couva Sharks”.

The Round One Match Day Four result propelled Police four spots up the 2014-2015 Digicel Pro League standings into third position with 7 points, joining second positioned Central one point behind leaders San Juan Jabloteh (8 points).

Belgrave, known for his ability to hit the ball powerfully from dead-ball situations, smashed a low free-kick from 21-yards out, beating the Central wall and a fully stretched Guyana national team goalkeeper Akel Clarke for the winner.

The defender's late strike handed Central its first league defeat of the season and also brought to an end an excellent comeback effort staged by the “Sharks” following a second half double by 39-year-old veteran Marvin Oliver.

But it was Police, despite losing forward Hector Sam to a direct red card in the second period, who saved themselves the embarrassment in the end after letting go of a 2-0 advantage achieved in the first half.

Coach Richard Hood's "Lawmen" went ahead in the 20th minute with a strike from forward and former Central FC player Sam before a wonder goal by midfielder Kaaron Foster on the 45th minute.

Sam netted from close-up near the back post, with the ball hitting the underside of the crossbar before landing into the back of the net, following a low Christon Thomas' cross from the right which slipped through the Central defence.

Sam then turned provider in the 40th minute but attacker Marcus Chandool, who troubled Clarke in the 13th minute, flopped on an excellent scoring opportunity when he struck his effort directly at the Central goalie from inside the area.

But then came the Foster goal following a break away from inside his own half.

Foster took the play all the way, slipping past two Central challenges, before sending a low strike under the “Sharks”’ second choice goalkeeper Clarke and into the back of the net from close range.

However both Sam, ejected in the 59th minute, and Foster, who was replaced injured in the 82nd minute, failed to battle on till Belgrave's winner came in stoppage-time.

Sam was sent off with a direct red card when referee Neal Brizan ruled dangerous play against the former Trinidad and Tobago and England-based forward after he stepped on the face of Oliver inside the Central area.

At the time Central had already reduced the deficit 1-2 after midfielder-turned-defender Oliver headed past Police second choice 'keeper Keston Mata off a Sean de Silva corner swung in from the left.

Central head coach Zoran Vranes was forced to summon Oliver out of defence and into attack, without the services of midfielders Ataulla Guerra and Leston Paul and goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams who are all with the Trinidad and Tobago national team in Jamaica for the Caribbean Cup Finals along with Police first choice ‘keeper Adrian Foncette.

Central thought they had the equaliser in the 70th minute when Dwight Quintero's glancing header off Argentine substitute Miguel Romero's cross found the back of the net. But Brizan pulled the plug on the celebrations, ruling that a foul was committed by Central inside the area.

Nine minutes later Oliver was inches wide of grabbing the equaliser and his second on the night, after meeting a Kaydion Gabriel cross from the right.

But by the 83rd minute Oliver finally completed his double and leveled the scores 2-2 when he dived low to head past Mata from a Nathaniel Garcia cross.

However a free-kick awarded to "The Blues" near the end of stoppage-time was utilised fully by Belgrave as Police celebrated the late win against last season’s runners-up and the recently crowned First Citizens Cup champions.

Round One Match Day Four Saturday's Result

Central FC 2 (Marvin Oliver 51', 83') vs Police FC 3 (Hector Sam 20', Kaaron Foster 45', Elijah Belgrave 90'+)

Teams

Central FC: 30. Akel Clarke (C), 19. Nathaniel Garcia, 5. Akeem Benjamin, 99. Dwight Quintero (Yellow Card), 11. Darren Mitchell, 14. Jean-Luc Rochford (Yellow Card), 15. Kaydion Gabriel, 17. Marcelle Francois, 10. Marvin Oliver (Yellow Card), 8. Sean de Silva (C), 23. Denzil Daniel (28. Miguel Romeo 54th).

Unused substitutes: 1. Javon Sample (GK), 18. Kevon Goddard, 3. Keion Goodridge, 9. Qian Grosvenor, 27. Shaquille Williams, 13. Seon Thomas.

Coach: Zoran Vranes.

Police FC: 34. Keston Mata (Yellow Card), 2. Jasimar Ashers, 9. Hector Sam (RED CARD), 19. Christon Thomas, 20. Elijah Belgrave, 21. Todd Ryan (C), 24. Jibri Mc David (Yellow Card), 10. Trent Noel (35. Kerry Frederick 28th), 30. Marcus Chandool, 32. Kaaron Foster (13. Elijah Roberts 82nd), 17. Dexter Alleyne.

Unused substitutes: 29. Clevon Mc Fee, 38. Jabari Williams, 31. Theon Browne, 39. Kevin Lewis, 14. Devon Jamerson.

Coach: Richard Hood.

[Football supporter]

A fair report of the game, but the real story should have been about the return of professional football in the Central community.

This is what everyone in football claims is the answer to football's problems, so why is it not mentioned?

Were the facilities good? The playing surface? The number of spectators? The atmosphere?

There should have been interviews with Dexter Skeene, Richard Hood, Neil Brizan and some of the spectators.

In this instance, for once, the football was not the big story. But I doubt if there were more than 3 journalists at the game. Yet these same no-show reporters will still be pointing at the Pro Leagues lack of community involvement as a reason for empty stadia.

[Sam]

A fair report of the game, but the real story should have been about the return of professional football in the Central community.

This is what everyone in football claims is the answer to football's problems, so why is it not mentioned?

Were the facilities good? The playing surface? The number of spectators? The atmosphere?

There should have been interviews with Dexter Skeene, Richard Hood, Neil Brizan and some of the spectators.

In this instance, for once, the football was not the big story. But I doubt if there were more than 3 journalists at the game. Yet these same no-show reporters will still be pointing at the Pro Leagues lack of community involvement as a reason for empty stadia.

Doh be sour yuh loss to a carpet team, allyuh go bounce back.

Tell we more about de game, the facilities good? The playing surface? The number of spectators? The atmosphere?

Because we can't rely on de T&T journalist, a bunch of internet journalist.

[Football supporter]

A fair report of the game, but the real story should have been about the return of professional football in the Central community.

This is what everyone in football claims is the answer to football's problems, so why is it not mentioned?

Were the facilities good? The playing surface? The number of spectators? The atmosphere?

There should have been interviews with Dexter Skeene, Richard Hood, Neil Brizan and some of the spectators.

In this instance, for once, the football was not the big story. But I doubt if there were more than 3 journalists at the game. Yet these same no-show reporters will still be pointing at the Pro Leagues lack of community involvement as a reason for empty stadia.

Doh be sour yuh loss to a carpet team, allyuh go bounce back.

Tell we more about de game, the facilities good? The playing surface? The number of spectators? The atmosphere?

Because we can't rely on de T&T journalist, a bunch of internet journalist.

No Sam, not sour coz we lost, plenty of football left this season. Police were well on top in the first half. Also, I don't think Sammy should have been red carded. The second half was story book exciting: Home team comes back from 2-0 down, a red card, disallowed goal and a cracking winner with the last kick of the ball. Both clubs stayed for the lime after.

I am certain that this will encourage more supporters for the next game.

I really don't want to say much about the venue etc as I would rather hear the views of supporters and journos.

There is a lot that needs improving. The pitch had holes filled with sand and was quite hard, but that can be fixed. Bathrooms were decent (better than the stadiums). Parking ok (overflow at Atlantic Plaza). Probably around 200 people there. Spectators were fairly quiet until Central scored and then they got involved. Rhythm section was pretty good. Generally, I feel it will be a good venue to continue playing professional football.

Funny thing, even though it was free admission, maybe a dozen cars, including a maxi, parked along the perimeter, with people watching from their vehicles, when all they needed to do was drive 150 yards to get a good view. 

[elan]

Where did the game play? Pres?

[Football supporter]

Where did the game play? Pres?

Gilbert Park, Point Lisas

[elan]

Where did the game play? Pres?

Gilbert Park, Point Lisas

That is a nice venue to develop.

[Football supporter]

Where did the game play? Pres?

Gilbert Park, Point Lisas

That is a nice venue to develop.

Can't believe it's never had lights! But, yeah, has loads of potential.

[Deeks]

Gilbert Park is on the old Southern Main Rd about a mile after you pass Chorro(if that still there?). It was use mainly for cricket, but was also used for football. Nice playing surface. But has a dip on the southern end. I guess for drainage.Long, long time ago, I was told that Caroni had plans to build a small stadium next to Gulbert park. They had plans to be the sports hub in Central. But you know how it is. We very good at talking.

So FS, was the crowd attendance encouraging?

[vb]

I'm curious, you have to be in the force to represent Police.

I'm asking becz I want to know how Sam end up there.

VB

[Football supporter]

Gilbert Park is on the old Southern Main Rd about a mile after you pass Chorro(if that still there?). It was use mainly for cricket, but was also used for football. Nice playing surface. But has a dip on the southern end. I guess for drainage.Long, long time ago, I was told that Caroni had plans to build a small stadium next to Gulbert park. They had plans to be the sports hub in Central. But you know how it is. We very good at talking.

So FS, was the crowd attendance encouraging?

Crowd was ok. Encouraging enough to build on. The pitch has a nice turtle back to help drainage, but this means that the ground is very hard. With work, it could be very good. The old stand is condemned, but the newer one has potential. Dressing rooms need basics such as benches and pegs, but the showers etc are good. Also, the public washrooms are good. Mr Kumar ,the groundsman, does a nice job, working with small funds and immense pride.
I'm amazed that such a good facility has no lights. Given some support from SPORTT, Gilbert Park would be great for Central & Connection.

[Tallman]

Belgrave freekick

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