Emmerson Boyce’s Fifth Avenue Fashions Bajan Elite continued their perfect record in the LIME Pelican Football Challenge, completing their fourth consecutive win with an industrious 2-0 victory over De Pier’s Sportstown Galaxy on Sunday.
In another Group B encounter at the National Stadium, Scotty’s Tech 4 Less Combined Stars handed Ouch Boutique Red Tridents a 3-0 decision.
Combined Stars are quietly making a name for themselves this year, having secured three wins in as many games. Meanwhile, Red Tridents have suffered their worst campaign yet, losing all four of their games.
Kemar Dottin opened the scoring for Combined Stars in the 41st minute, powerfully heading home from inside the area after captain Paul Alexander floated a right sided free kick to the far post.
In the 48th minute Red Tridents were reduced to ten men when goalkeeper Corey Bridgeman raced off his line and mistimed his challenge on Shaquille Boyce. This infringement resulted in a penalty kick, which Tristan “Fishy” Parris easily converted past stand-in goalkeeper Jesse Turton.
The game turned ugly as both teams were guilty of some malicious and unnecessary challenges and referee Azard Weekes was forced to issue more red cards in an effort to control the game. The first one was issued to Red Tridents’ midfielder Keon Atkins in the 65th minute, while Nicholas Collymore of Combined Stars was sent packing just ten minutes after.
Boyce capped off the win for Combined Stars in the 90th minute, thanks to some good fortune. A ball was hoisted down field and took an usual bounce which evaded Turton, leaving Boyce an empty goal to put the ball into.
Bajan Elite moved to 12 points and maintained their perfect record. However Sportstown did not make it easy for the high-flyers and battled well, especially in midfield.
Bajan Elite with their experience and higher skilled players fought through the resilience of their opponents and took the lead in the 44th minute. Kemar Headley exchanged a neat one touch pass with Romario Harewood which allowed Headley to be in one on one with goalkeeper Richard Corbin and the Wales forward, with a forward’s touch, placed the ball beyond the diving custodian.
There was little fanfare in the second half and it seemed Bajan Elite were contented in just playing a possession game and being patient.
Raymond Hope sealed the win for Bajan Elite in the 57th minute as he scored from close range.
Kareem Fredricks was ejected in the 90th minute for his second bookable offence. (ROG)
