Defending champs Scarborough Secondary were held to a 1-1 draw by archrival Signal Hill Secondary at the Shaw Park Recreational Facility, Old Milford Road last Saturday as action continued in the Tobago Zone of BGTT Secondary Schools Football League.
Kellon James put Scarborough ahead in the 16th minute when he rose above the defence to head in a perfect cross from the right flank, while Captain Shaquille Smith got the equalizer for Signal Hill seven minutes later.
Smith eluded several defenders and tapped the ball through the arms of the advancing keeper Shaheem Carrington. A titanic clash of the two heavy weights of the Tobago zone was anticipated and the match lived up to expectation.
Playing at their home ground, Scarborough had the better start with captain Chrislon Morgan leading the charge in the midfield while lanky defender Aaron Benjamin marshalled the back line.
Signal Hill speedy striker, Akeil Frank created problems for his markers as he easily eluded many of his taller opponents. However, neither team was able to break the deadlock and the teams went into the half time locked at one all.
Scarborough continued to pressure their opponents on the resumption with Jase George tormenting the Signal Hill custodian Njeri Fermin and defence but the Bertille St. Clair coached-Signal Hill team responded as Kyle Solomon and Devon Trim pushed for a second goal. Frank had the best chance for SHSC but his powerful shot was saved by Carrington.
As the teams searched for the go-ahead goal, George and Morgan led several counter attacks for SSS with Morgan’s long range shot in the 73 minute just missing the cross bar to the relief of the Signal Hill players. Signal Hill finally got the ball in the back of the net in the 87th minute but Frank’s goal was offside and the teams had to settle for a share of the points.
Speaking after the match to the media, Signal Hill’s assistant coach Glenroy Irvine said he was disappointed with the draw. “We had no reason why we could not get a second goal,” while Scarborough’s coach Daniel Ogwu was also not pleased with the result.
“We were poor in marking and gave Signal Hill too much room. In addition many of our players need to work on their fitness” he said.
Results
Scarborough Secondary 1 (Kellon Games-16’) v Signal Hill Secondary 1 (Shaquille Smith-23’)
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