GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power Nat. U-17 League… Victoria Kings and Buxton United post wins; Plaisance hold Ann’s Grove

Sep 12, 2016, Sports, http://www.kaieteurnewsonline....nce-hold-anns-grove/

The East Demerara Football Association (EDFA) leg of the GFF/NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour Power National Under-17 Intra Association football made a welcome return on the weekend following weeks of inactivity due to consistent rain which rendered grounds unplayable.

Players were eager to get back in the football flow and showed this with a high level of intensity on the field of play at the Melanie ground over this past weekend.

Yesterday, Victoria Kings clawed their way back from being a goal down to beat BV Triumph United (BVTU) 2-1, while Plasaince also rebounded from being a goal down to earn an even share of the points against Ann’s Grove in yesterday’s opening match. On Saturday at the same venue, the lone match saw Buxton United stamping their authority against Paradise / Bachelor’s Adventure Sports Club with a 3-0 triumph which was orchestrated by goals from Shemar Fredericks in the 14th minute, Kobe Durant in the 30th and Leondray Brown in the 80th minute. In yesterday’s feature clash between BVTU and Victoria Kings in drenching sunshine, the Kings opened proceedings with fluent play and had the young BV boys on the back foot.

But as the game progressed, the BV players gradually found their footing and fluency which resulted in them drawing first blood.

The dapper and fleet footed Omari Glasgow, who was a constant threat to the young Kings, finally weaved his way into the attacking third and unleashed a well directed right foot shot that beat Kings goalie Dylan Blair at the near post to hand BV the lead in the 22nd minute.

Momentum was now with the boys from BV as they kept possession and created a few more opportunities which were not capitalized on.

As the BVTU side’s dominance declined, the lads from Victoria eased back into contention and were able to tuck in the equalizer five minutes to the half time break.

Kareem Josiah, towering above the rest of the players, fired the Kings on even terms in the 40th minute during a period of play when the BV boys were not enjoying the best of possession.

The ball inadvertently hit the standing Referee and rebounded into the path of Kings and they gleefully accepted as it brought the equalizer. In the second half of play, Kings enjoyed the bulk of possession which frustrated the BV side as their first half flow was not evident.

In the 59th minute, Victoria Kings nosed ahead thanks to a well taken goal by Jeremiah Bowman. It was a lead that the young Kings were able to defend despite being reduced to 10-players with one minute to full time when Simon Jones was red carded for a dangerous foul.

The opening match which commenced late due to heavy rain was played in a light drizzle for almost the entire match. Ann’s Grove it was that took the lead on 23 minutes through an Antwain Thomas goal.

They would enjoy the advantage until the third minute of the second half when Plasiance finally drew level.

Jaheem Hinds was able to dribble his way past a couple of opposing players before letting off his shot which sailed into the back of the nets to the joy of the Plasiance players. Matches will continue this weekend.

Plasiance FC Jaheem Hinds (2nd left) scores the neutralising goal against Ann’s Grove United FC yesterday at the Melanie ground. (Franklin Wilson photo)