Dames blank Pinelands

CLAYTONS?KOLA TONIC Notre Dame virtually confirmed Pinelands demotion from the Digicel Premier League with an emphatic 7-0 win at the National Stadium on Thursday night.
And in the opening encounter, the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) fought valiantly to emerge 1-0 winners over an improving Gall Hill unit that featured some young, talented, fresh faces.
BDF struck early as Kyle Gibson found the back of the nets in the fifth minute. Gall Hill searched for the equalizer but the BDF defenders were a tower of strength along with a commanding performance by Saheka Duke in goal.
The army football recruits now have 26 points, seven behind leaders Weymouth Wales, who have a game in hand.
Notre Dame found their goal-scoring touch as they made light work of a depressed Pine unit. with Carl Joseph netting a hat-trick.
Rudy Grosvenor got the ball rolling in the eighth minute, beating a high Pinelands defence and slotting past goalkeeper Ryan Hope at his near post. Ryan Lucas doubled the Dames’ lead in the 26th minute slamming home a cross from the right.
Lucas picked up where he left off in the first half and scored his second goal of the match in the 49th minute. Strike partner Dwayne Mars sprinted past a couple of defenders on the left  and laid the ball back for an unmarked Lucas to easily tap home from close range.
After Lucas had his turn, it was the Joseph show. Returning after a one-game suspension, he came off the bench to register a hat-trick in 20 minutes; scoring in the 54th, 66th and 74th minute.
Skipper John Parris capped off a stunning night for the Dames with a spectacular left-foot volley into the far post, compliments of an Aaron Leacock cross from the right side.
Pinelands shot themselves in the foot early on when former national forward Peter Stoute’s shot was brilliantly saved by Kareem Farrell from the penalty spot.
The victory carried the Dames to 17 points while Pinelands remain on five and another defeat will seal their fate. (ROG)