MAJOR League team Columbus Crew has shown an interest in Joe Public defender Derek King.

 King said last week that Crew had inquired about his availability but there were no further talks. "They indicated that they were interested earlier this season but I haven't heard from them in the past few weeks, said King.

 BRISTOL Rovers wants Joe Public's Nigel Pierre.

 News coming out of Bristol on the weekend stated that Wrexham were granted work permits for Hector Sam and Carlos Edwards and so Pierre's permit should also be secured to allow him to continue his three-year deal.

 Club director Ron Craig and secretary Roger Brinsford have taken legal advice on a further appeal to the Department of Employment for a permit for Pierre. The last one was cancelled after Pierre had appeared in two games for the club when the Ministry in England decided he didn't have enough international qualifications. Pierre has give goals to his name so far this season for Public.

 CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh have added 22 new sponsors since April.

 Among the new ones on board are Inncogen and the Unit Trust. Jabloteh commercial manager Peter Miller was also happy to announce the new sponsorship deal for midfielder and captain Dale Saunders on Monday.

 Saunders was presented with a cheque worth $3,500 by First Citizens Bank, one of the club's major sponsors. Saunders will also do some promotion work with FCB.

 Among some of the other Jabloteh players being sponsored include midfielder Stephan David by AGM Tours of Tobago and Inner Light. Former national midfielder Marvin Faustin is also being supported by Wilnet Holdings and will receive $2,500 next Sunday.

Monday June 26th, 2000

By IRVING WARD
Sports Desk

JOE PUBLIC held onto their lead atop the Professional Football League table yesterday evening by a mere whisker.
 

The Eastern Lions found themselves in this predicament after being taken for a run by struggling Doc’s Khelwalaas at Frederick Settlement in Caroni before eventually etching out a 1-1 draw.
 

The point earned just kept the Public (23 pts) in front of second-placed Vibe CT 105 W Connection by a single point.
 

WCFC, who had fallen three points behind after losing to the Public 2-0 on Friday, gained two points back on the leaders after edging out Arima Fire 3-2 at their Industry Park home ground.
 

Also smiling on the day were third-placed CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh (21 pts) who are now just one behind WCFC and two adrift of the Eastern Lions after they shut out Police 3-0 at the Arima Municipal Stadium.
 

Defending champs Defence Force (16 pts) also managed to creep back into fourth spot after stopping Caledonia AIA FC 2-0 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
 

At Caroni: Fresh from their 2-0 win over the Army on Wednesday, Khelwalaas began the game with an air of confidence absent early on in the season.
 

However, they were also aided by a Public outfit which seemed jaded on the evening.
 

Indeed, the visitors looked nothing like the outfit which had beaten WCFC only two days prior and were overrun by their opponents, led by midfielder Marlon Minguel, early on. It was therefore no surprise to the Khelwalaas fateful when their team went ahead after just 11 minutes.
 

Following a quick counter-attack, Khelwalaas striker Collie Hercules split the Public defence with a through ball to Kevin Nelson. Then, with the Public defence screaming for an offside call which never came from referee Noel Bynoe, Nelson shot past advancing goalie Michael McComie.
 

Alas, Khelwalaas could not take any further advantage of their dominance. And in the second half, after losing Minguel—red carded by Bynoe for his second bookable offence—the Public levelled the scores through Stokely Mason.
 

Mason beat keeper Kelvin jack from close range after the Khelwalaas defence failed to clear a left-side cross from Arnold Dwarika.
 

Unfortunately, the game was also marred by some rough play later on in the second half with referee Bynoe eventually issuing a second red card to Mason for an incident off the ball.
 

At Industry Park: Brazilian midfielder Gefferson Da Silva Goulart came up with an inspirational winner for Connection.
 

After Fire had taken over the momentum of the game with two second half goals, Elliot James knotting up the scores at 2-2 in the 63rd minute, Goulart responded with the winner in the 77th.
 

Working a one-two with his St Lucian teammate Earl Jean on the edge of the penaltly area, Goulart accepted the return then chipped Fire advancing goalie Larry Loobie from around the penalty spot.
 

Earlier, the southerners may have felt home and dry after striker Jose Maria Manoel, another Brazilian,had given them a 22nd minute lead before an own goal from the Firemen put them comfortably ahead 2-0. But the Firemen responded well after the resumption and probably though they had done enough to earn at least a point until Goulart grabbed it away from them.
 

Yesterday’s scores:
 

Doc’s Khelwalaas 1 (Kevin Nelson 11th) v Joe Public 1 (Stokely Mason 81st)
 

San Juan Jabloteh 3 (Keith Gumbs 15th, Rolston James 53rd, Jerson Peneranda 82nd) v Police 0
 

W Connection 3 (Jose Maria Manoel 22nd, OG 35th, Gefferson Da Silva Goulart 77th) v Arima Fire
2 (Gaston Aguillera 56th, Elliot James 63rd)
 

Defence Force 2 (Jason Scotland, Kwesi Smith) v Caledonia AIA 0
 
 

 LEADERS Joe Public had their lead at the top of the Professional Football League standings cut to one point when they were held 1-1 away to Doc's Khelwalaas in 11th round action yesterday.
 

 Vibe CT 105 W Connection pounced on the opportunity to close in on the Eastern Lions coming away 3-2 winners over Arima Fire at Industry Park, Palo Seco.
 

 CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh also kept the pressure on Public with a commanding 3-0 victory over Police at the Arima Municipal Stadium.

Kittitian striker Keith Gumbs, Rolston James and Colombian Jason Penaranda were the men on target for the San Juan side to send them to 21 points in third spot.
 

 Reigning champions Defence Force ended a three-match losing streak with a 2-0 shut out of Caledonia AIA at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
 

 At Frederick Settlement, Caroni, Public found themselves trailing after 19 minutes when Tobagonian Kevin Nelson sent the homeside ahead.

National midfielder Stokely Mason denied Doc's a second straight upset with a 76th minute equaliser. The central side defeated the Army 2-0 last Wednesday.
 

 At Palo Seco, Connection finished the match with 10 men after Brazilian Jose Luiz Seabra was sent off with 30 minutes remaining.
 

 Standings - Joe Public (23 points), Connection (22), Jabloteh (21), Army (16 ), Caledonia (14), Police (11), Arima Fire (10 ), Doc's (seven).
 
 

Sunday June 25th, 2000

 JOE Public took sole possession of top spot in the Professional Football League when they held off a battling Vibe CT 105 W Connection 3-1 in a 10th round encounter at Concacaf Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Friday night.
 

 Once again it was national striker Arnold Dwarika delivering the goods for the "Eastern Lions" in a top contest, netting in the 10th and 15th minutes to send them to 22 points, three ahead of the southerners.
 

 Dwarika won the shoot-out battle against Brazilian Jose Manoel, whom he overtook as top scorer in the League with eight goals. No doubt, coach Kenny Joseph was proud of his team's result on the night.
 

 In front of a fair-sized crowd, Dwarika had the Public fans cheering when he collected inside the 18-yard box and beat his marker before shooting past Anthony Clarke in goal.

 Before the FA Trophy holders could catch themselves, Dwarika did further damage, hitting one which took a deflection on its way in.
 

 Connection were in no mood to let their opponents run away with the three points easily, but had only themselves to blame for not at least coming away with a point.
 

 St Lucian striker Earl Jean should have converted in the 35th minute following a cross from Brazilian Gefferson Goulart, but headed wide of Michael McComie's goal.
 

 Later on, Goulart sent defender David Atiba Charles through on the right, but an advancing McComie denied him from pulling a goal back before the half-time interval.

 Public wasted no time in increasing their advantage after the break.

 Colombian defender Rudinei Cardoso met a left-side cross before tapping home past Clarke for a 3-0 scoreline after 50 minutes.

 Connection didn't give up, but some untidy finishing and stubborn defending by the "Lions" left the southerners reeling.
 

 Manoel and St Lucian Titus Elva, in his first match for Connection this season, were among the ones guilty of bad finishing.

 Elva was brought down inside the 18-yard box in the 78th minute, allowing Jose Luis Seabra to convert the penalty.
 

 Connection will hope for a better result against Arima Fire at Palo Seco today.
 Public are away to Doc's Khelwalaas at Frederick Settlement, Caroni;
 Defence Force face Caledonia AIA at the Hasely Crawford Stadium and
 Police host CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh at the Arima Municipal
 Stadium. All games kick off at 4 pm.

 Current standings: Joe Public 22 points, W Connection 19 points, Jabloteh 18 points, Caledonia 14 points, Defence Force 13 points, Police 11 points, Fire 10 points, Doc's 6 points.

Friday June 23rd, 2000

By IRVING WARD

PROFESSIONAL Football League co-leaders Joe Public and Vibe CT 105 W Connection will go at it tonight at the João Havelange Centre of Excellence in a crucial matchup which may yet decide the outcome of the league.
 

Both teams are currently tied atop the eight-team table on 19 points each. And with CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh just one behind them, a victory tonight may prove vital down when the league comes down to the crunch.
 

However, the Eastern Lions will be coming into tonight’s game with all the momentum.
 

Already at home, aptly named the Lion’s den, the Public are fresh from a 1-0 victory over defending champions Defence Force last Wednesday.
 

That result, secured on a lone item from midfielder Stokely Mason, gave the Public the edge over WCFC on goal differential at the top of the table.
 

In fact, the Army—who won the inaugural title and $500,000 cash prize last season—have apparently not recovered from that blow. On Wednesday, the men in yellow, gold and green slumped to their third straight loss when they were beaten by lowly placed Doc’s Khelwalaas 2-0.
 

Caledonia AIA FC benefited from this result as they leapfrogged the Army for the fourth spot after a goalless draw with Police at the Centre in the late game Wednesday night. The Eastern Stallions (14pts) are now one point better than the Army.
 

Needless to say, with the teams in midtable bunching and applying the pressure, Public coach Kenny Joseph will call on his troops, led by striker Arnold Dwarika, to keep their campaign rolling.

Yet, if Dwarika and striking partner Nigel Pierre are to be successful tonight, they will need support from the midfield led by Mason, Angus Eve and Kerwyn Jemmott.

However, in WCFC, the Public have an able opponent.

As they did last season, their debut fling in the top flight, the southerners have again set the early pace in the league.

Brazilian marksman Jose Maria Manoel, who leads the league’s scorer with seven goals, has contributed much to this early success.

But Manoel, one of several South American imports in the side, will have to get more support tonight if WCFC are to come away with a victory in the Lion’s Den.

Fortunately for WCFC, skipper Reynold Carrington—a former Army player who also campaigned in Portugal—is experienced in the art of war.

And that may well be what the fans could witness tonight if both teams play to their full potential.
 
 

     By SHAUN FUENTES

     THE fight for the top spot in the Professional Football League is on when leaders Joe Public and Vibe CT 105 W
     Connection clash in the feature game of the week from seven o'clock tonight at Concacaf Centre of Excellence,
     Macoya.
 

     Both teams have 19 points but Public are ahead on a better goal difference.
     While fans will be backing their respective teams to take over the lead. There will also be a one-on-one battle
     between 1999 "Player of the Year" Arnold Dwarika and Brazilian striker Jose Manoel for the top position on the
     PFL scoring chart.
 

     Dwarika, leading scorer last season with 36 goals, has continued good form this season, currently with six goals to
     his name. But Connection's South American import leads the way with seven items and the Public defence will
     have a job on its feet if they are to keep him off the scoresheet.
 

     Joe Public's Nigel Pierre (five goals) also will hope to add to his tally, so too will St Lucian striker Earl Jean for
     Connection.
 

     Public have the experienced Angus Eve in midfield along with Stokely Mason and Kerwyn Jemmot, while Derek
     King and Colombian Rudinei Cardoso will hope to keep the defence in order.
 

     Fans will wait to see if St Lucian forward Titus Elva makes his return to Connection line-up today. With the good
     form of Brazilian trio Manoel, Jefferson Goulart Ronaldo Viana, along with Jean, Alvin Xavier and Addae Rique,
     all the ingredients are there for a keenly-contested affair.
 

     Jabloteh moved to 18 points in third spot with a 4-0 win over Arima Fire, while Doc's Khelwalaas upset Defence
     Force 2-0 and Caledonia AIA drew 0-0 with Police Wednesday night.

Thursday June 22nd, 2000

By IRVING WARD

Doc’s Khelwalaas have come back from the dead in this year’s Professional Football League.
 

The Caroni-based outfit, struggling at the bottom of the table going into yesterday’s tenth round of matches, pulled off the upset of the season when they stunned defending champions Defence Force 2-0 at their Frederick Settlement ground.

This was the first victory of Khelwalaas’ campaign. They had had a miserly time on the field previously, managing three draws in nine matches. But when the final whistle came yesterday evening, skipper Charles Pollard and his teammates had finally christened their new home venue.

Unfortunately, the points obtained did little for Khelwalaas’ standing on the eight team table as they remained in the cellar spot on six points.

The Army (13 pts), who have now lost three straight games, remained in fourth but saw the gap ahead of them opened up by third-placed CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh (18 pts) who shut out Arima Fire 4-0 in another game at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Victory for Jabloteh also helped them keep pace with co-leaders Joe Public and Vibe CT 105 W Connection, both on 19 points, while Fire (10 pts) slumped to second to last.

At Caroni: Striker Kevin Nelson and defender Germaine Scott were the goal heroes for Khelwalaas, scoring within seven minutes of each other to give their side a well deserved first three points of the season.

After a scoreless first half, Nelson opened the scoring two minutes after the restart. Running onto a through ball from a teammate, he beat Army custodian Hayden Thomas with a well-placed right-footer from just inside the penalty area.
 

And as if they had not learned from this mistake, the Army capitulated once more in the 57th minute, allowing Scott—a defender—to come on the overlap and beat Thomas with another shot from almost the same spot.
 

Earlier Army skipper Hutson Charles’s unit had dominated the majority of the play on a soggy outfield in the first half but failed to capitalise on this.
 

But in the second 45 minutes, Khewalaas got their second wind and played perhaps their best half of the season to walk away with all the points.
 

At the Oval: Jabloteh striker Hector Sam, in his last game of the PFL season, was kept off the scoresheets by the Fire defence.

But the Firemen could not stop the San Juan outfit from celebrating as Sam’s partner in crime, Rolston James doubled up in the second half.

After Keith Gumbs had given Jabloteh a 1-0 halftime lead, James afforded them a two-goal cushion in the 56th minute. Working a one-two with Gumbs inside the penalty area, James shot past advancing Fire goalie Larry Loobie.

Nine minutes later James would be waiting inside the penalty box to collect a right-side cross from veteran defender Marvin Faustin, after some sloppy defending by the Firemen allowed Jabloteh to regain possession after they had in fact lost the ball.

He then had the simple task of collecting the cross and picking his spot to beat a helpless Loobie to make the score 3-0.

Loobie then did his best to deny the Jabloteh attackers thereafter.

And he managed to do a good job until substitute Jerson Peneranda sealed the issue for Jabloteh two minutes from time.

Scores

Doc’s Khelwalaas 2 (Kevin Nelson 47th, Germaine Scott 54th) v Defence Force 0

CLF San Juan Jabloteh 4 (Keith Gumbs 31st, Rolston James 56th & 65th, Jerson Peneranda 88th) v Arima Fire 0.
 

Wednesday June 21st, 2000

Inside the PFL with Shaun Fuentes

FIFA vice-president Jack Warner says that the running of a Professional League here is one of the reasons why T&T is the mecca of football in the Caribbean.
Warner give this opinion last week after a release by Concacaf stating that the Caribbean club championships and the Copa Caribe will be staged in this country in October 2000 and 2001 respectively. PFL champions Defence Force, FA Trophy holders Vibe CT 105 W Connection and Joe Public will contest the series from October 28 to November 3.

Other teams expected to take part include Violette AC of Haiti, Tivoli Gardens FC (Jamaica), Chelsea FC (St Vincent and the Grenadines), Club Franciscain (Martinique) and Notre Dame SC of Barbados, T&T will also host the 2001 World Under 17 championships in April.
 

"T&T is the Mecca of football in the Caribbean simply because of its facilities, its Professional Football League, a very helpful and accommodating Minister of Sport (Manohar Ramsaran) and the vision and administration of the TTFF, together with the fact that the offices of the CFU and the CONCACAF are located in T&T," said Warner.
 
 

CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh has donated close to $5,000 from gate receipts from recent matches involving English teams Sheffield United and Newcastle United to the Youth Training Centre (YTC), Golden Grove.
 

The Tobago Football Association also received cash from Jabloteh from two games played there during the "BritSoccer 2000" organised by the 1998 FA Trophy winners.
While Jabloteh may not be leading the standings they surely are showing the other clubs the way with their community and school projects.
 

Malick and San Juan Senior Comprehensive both benefited from recent donations in conjunction with Adidas and Newcastle amounting to $450,000. Replica items including football boots are still to be given out as part of that sum.
 

"The success of the professional game here depends not only on the players development on the pitch. Clubs must undertake a long term programme of giving back to their communities. When the public see over a period of time that their local club is demonstrating genuine social responsibility then they will be seen back at grounds as people will be more inclined to support their local side," said Jabloteh commercial manager Peter Miller.
 
 

St Lucian striker Titus Elva has rejoined Vibe CT 105 W Connection but is not expected to be match fit until the next week or so.
 

Elva was registered on the Connection roster last Wednesday after Caledonia AIA informed the PFL that they were unable to come up with the $50,000 transfer fee. PFL commissioner Colin Prevatt said that a $10,000 cheque issued a few days earlier would be cancelled.
 

Connection president David John Williams was happy about Elva's return and hopes that his presence alongside Earl Jean and Brazilian marksman Jose Manoel will make the southerners attack untouchable.
 

"We are glad to have Titus back in the team. We think this is where he belongs. He is not match fit but he and Earl Jean were probably the best partnership in the League last season," said Williams.
 
 

Vibe CT 105 W Connection Brazilian born striker Jose Manoel continues to lead the PFL scoring chart after nine rounds of action. Manoel, one of three players to score a hattrick this season long with Trevor Puckerin and Emerson Jean Marie of Caledonia AIA, currently has seven goals in just as many matches.
 

Right behind him are Joe Public's Arnold Dwarika, Sherman "Ants" Phillip of Defence Force and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh's Hector Sam, all with six goals in the same number of matches.
 
 

FA Trophy champions Vibe CT 105 W Connection are ranked as the team with the worst disciplinary record. So far they have received 17 yellow cards and one red card.
Trailing them by one spot are Arima Fire with one less yellow card.
 

Caledonia AIA hold the best record, receiving only nine yellow cards for the season.
Arima Fire's Uz Taylor, from Tobago, is the most carded player in the League with four cautions. He is followed by Shurland David (Caledonia AIA), Cyd Gray (Joe Public), Colombian John Sena (Doc's Khelwalaas) and Brazilian Ronaldo Viana (W Connection) with three yellow cards each.
 

Public's Adrian Narine and Connection's Earl Jean are the only two players to have been sent off this season.

Best Disciplined teams
Caledonia - nine yellow cards
Defence Force - ten yellows
Joe Public - 12 yellows, one red
Jabloteh - 13 yellows
Police - 14 yellows
Doc's Khelwalaas - 15 yellows
Arima Fire - 16 yellows
Connection - 17 yellows, one red.
 
 

Central based Doc's Khelwalaas will be after their first victory in 11 matches dating back to last season when they take on reigning champions Defence Force in a PFL 10th round encounter at Frederick Settlement Caroni from 4 pm today.
 

The cellar placed team with three points, have Guyanese striker Collie Hercules (four goals) in their line-up and he will surely shoulder their attacking responsibilities this evening.
 

The Army meanwhile are coming off successive losses to CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh (4-3) and Joe Public (1-0) and will look to front men Sherman
Phillip, Kelshall Alexander and Jason Scotland to help them to three points.
 

In the other game on today, Police take on Caledonia AIA from 6 pm at the Arima Municipal Stadium. Jabloteh face Arima Fire at the Queen's Park Oval from 4 pm.
 

Leaders Joe Public, who have gone three games undefeated clash with Vibe CT 105 W Connection in the "Feature game of the week" at the Concacaf Centre of Excellence on Friday from 7 pm.
 
 

     By SHAUN FUENTES

     STOKLELY Mason's 69th minute goal gave Joe Public a 1-0 victory over reigning champions Defence Force in
     a rescheduled Professional Football League match at Hasely Crawford Stadium last night.

     The three points pushed Public (19 points) to the top of the standings ahead of Vibe CT 105 W Connection (19
     points) on goal difference, CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh (15 points), Army (13 points) and Caledonia AIA (13
     points).

     Connection didn't take yesterday's result in bad spirits as they were celebrating the return of St Lucian striker
     Titus Elva to their roster. He registered with the southerners after Caledonia AIA informed the PFL that they
     would not be paying the $50,000 transfer fee.
     From the start of proceedings, the soldiers looked more likely to score.

     Striker Jason Scotland had two off target attempts within the first 20 minutes as the Army did most of their
     attacking on the right flank through national midfielder Carlos Edwards and Sherman "Ants" Phillip. Edwards and
     Scotland missed further chances just before half time.

     Arnold Dwarika had Public's best attempt when he made room for himself outside the 18 yard box before hitting
     overbar.

     His partner Nigel Pierre hardly had a sight at goal all night.

     Two minutes after the resumption, Phillip hit straight into McComie's grasp.
     Nine minutes later, after McComie failed to gather a right side cross, Phillip got a slight touch before the 'keeper
     recovered to save Kelshall Alexander's weak effort.

     Then Scotland had the Army fans holding their heads in further frustration when he collected unmarked inside the
     area, only to hit straight to McComie.

     The "Eastern Lions" got the winner against the run of play when national midfielder Mason slotted home from
     close range.
 
 
 
 

Wednesday June 14th, 2000
 
 

 JOE Public will aim to join Vibe CT 105 W Connection at the top of the Professional League standings when they clash with Defence Force in a rescheduled encounter at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo, from 6 pm today.
 

 The "Eastern Lions" are coming off a 2-0 win over Caledonia AIA Sunday and will once more look to their leading marksman Arnold Dwarika to inspire them to another victory today.
 

 Public are currently second with 16 points behind Vibe CT 105 W Connection (19 points) who have played a game more.
 

 The Army were edged 4-3 by CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh in a tense affair Sunday and must now be ready to face another stiff challenge from coach Kenny Joseph's team. Skipper Hutson Charles and company will surely relish the chance to show the quality of a champion team against the 1999 "Team of the Year".
 

 The soldiers are in fourth spot with 13 points, ahead of AIA on goal difference. The rest of the table sees Police on 10 points, Arima Fire (10 points) and Doc's Khelwalaas last on three points.
 
 

 IT will take a very lucrative deal to attract Joe Public captain Arnold Dwarika to leave the Eastern Lions.
 

 Dwarika, who played for East Fife in Scotland before settling with Public, has apparently attracted interest from Guatemalan club Comunicaciones.
 

 Guatemalan newspapers reporters contacted the Guardian last week to enquire about Dwarika. But Joe Public manager Richard Abraham said he had no word from the Guatemalans.
 

 "We have already decided that the only way that Arnold will sign for a foreign club is if he gets a very good deal. The club has to come really good," said Abraham.
 

 Dwarika was supposed to have joined a Korean club after his exploits at the Gold Cup in February but the deal was called off.
 

 Dwarika, who received a new motor car for being named the 1999 "Player of the Year" was then presented with a house in the El Dorado Heights after being named Joe Public's top player for 1999.

 Brazilian on top

 Brazilian striker Jose Manoel jumped to the top of the PFL goalscorers chart with seven goals by scoring a hat-trick for Vibe CT 105 W Connection in a 4-1 whipping of Caledonia AIA last Friday.
 

 Manoel was one of four Brazilians on the field for Connection alongside Ronaldo Viana, Jose Luiz Seabra Junior and Gefferson Goulart which caused all sorts of problems for Caledonia. Manoel was undoubtedly the star of the evening and could easily have had five goals to his name. He must surely be favourite for "Player of the Month."
 

 One place behind Manoel, is local striker Arnold Dwarika who has continued his fine form from last season, currently with six goals, the latest coming in 2-0 win over Caledonia on Sunday. Dwarika will be looking to add to his tally when Public take on Defence Force today.

 Trotman still out

 Joe Public striker Mickey Trotman is not expected to make a return to action until mid-July.
 

 The former Dallas Burn player out since suffering a ligament injury in T&T's 1-0 win over the Dominican Republic in April, recently started jogging and doing light training with the ball.
 

 T&T team physiotherapist Wayne Lawson said on the weekend that while Trotman is making steady progress, he is unlikely to play a competitive match until next month.
 

 "It also depends on when the club decides he should start playing again," said Lawson.  Public manager Richard Abraham said that Trotman will be allowed to take as much time as he needs.
 

 The former Arima Senior Comprehensive player is on a list of injured T&T players which includes goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, midfielder Ronnie Mauge and defender Ian Cox.

 Andrews stuck in PFL

 Vibe CT 105 W Connection midfielder Lyndon Andrews may find himself playing a bit longer in the PFL than expected.
 

 After being told by Hibernian earlier this year that he would be offered a two-year deal by the club, it now seems that he may be denied a work permit.
 

 Hibs manager Alex McLeish was confident up to last month that the permit would be granted but is now worried that Andrews may not start the new season with the Easter Road side.
 

 Andrews' fellow W Connection teammate, St Lucian striker Earl Jean also had a three-month stint with Hibs last season.
 

 He notched his second goal this season in Connection's 2-1 win over Police on Sunday and is said have received interest from a couple Japanese J-League clubs.
 

 Second-placed Joe Public could go to the top of the standings with a victory over 1999 champions Defence Force in a rescheduled encounter at the Concacaf Centre of Excellence , Macoya from 4 pm today.
 

 Public, fresh from a 2-0 win over Caledonia AIA on Sunday are on 16 points, three less than leaders W Connection.
 

 However, they have a better goal difference and will hold the edge. The Army were edged by CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh 4-3 on Sunday and will want to make up lost ground.
 
 

By IRVING WARD

DEFENDINg Professional Football League champions Defence Force have yet another
tough assignment on their hands this evening.
 

Still smarting from Sunday’s 4-3 loss to CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh, the Army/Coast
Guard unit now have to regroup to have any hope of staving off the expected charge from
a hungry Joe Public outfit. The two come up against each other in a rescheduled game at
the Hasely Crawford Stadium from 6 p.m.
 

Losing Sunday’s game by a late goal to Jabloteh defender Don Morris is already torture
enough for the Army.
 

But defeat today will merely increase their agony and they have their work cut out to avoid
it. Their task is likely to be made even more difficult as the Eastern Lions are also hunting
a share of the top spot on the eight-team table.
 

Joe Public are three points adrift of current leaders Vibe CT 105 W Connection (19 pts)
and victory in this make-up game will put them level on points with the southerners.
 

So that, led by top marksman Arnold Dwarika, currently second on the top scorers’ list
with six goals, the Public should favour their chances of achieving that mission tonight.
 

Last year’s “Player of the Year” Dwarika has also been getting good support from striking
partner Nigel Pierre. Pierre, who is currently being pursued by English Second Division
club Bristol Rovers and a couple Scottish clubs, has five goals to his name.
 

In addition, both men are coming off good performances against Caledonia AIA on
Sunday when Dwarika found the net in a 2-0 victory.
 

However, the Eastern Lions would be ill advised to think of the Army (13 pts) as
walkovers.
 

The defending champs started the season shakily but had managed to restore some
stability to their campaign before Sunday’s loss.
 

Now standing in fourth place on the table with 13 points, the Army are fully aware that they
are still well in the hunt to retain the title they worked so hard to earn last year. And they
would like nothing better than to throw a huge spanner in the Public’s works tonight.
 

What that means is that the fans could well be in for a goal treat since Army striker
Sherman Phillip has also been having a fine run.
 

Phillip, one of the Army’s new recruits this season, joined Dwarika on six goals on Sunday
night after scoring in their 3-4 loss to Jabloteh.
 

Phillip has been the most consistent scorer for Army coach Errol McFarlane Snr. But if
they are to begin to reverse their recent fortunes tonight, the Army’s supporting cast will
have to step up and provide some assistance for Phillip.
 

And leave the Eastern Lions in the woods once more.
 
 

                                  RESULTS

                               Round 9 results:

San Juan Jabloteh 4 (Hector Sam 12th, Dale Saunders 42nd, Rolston James 51st, Don
Morris 87th) v Defence Force 3 (Sherman Phillip 31st, Carlos Edwards 43rd, Russell
Pope 67th)

Arima Fire 1 (Leon Braithwaite 59th) v Doc’s Khelwalaas 1 (Collie Hercules 61st)

W Connection 2 (Valencius Joseph 4th, Earl Jean 74th) v Police 1 (Shawn David 25th
pen)

Joe Public 2 (Arnold Dwarika 11th, Stokely Mason 44th) v Caledonia AIA 0.
 
 

     By SHAUN FUENTES, TT Guardian

     VIBE CT 105 W Connection survived a last minute scare to come away 2-1 winners over Police
     and maintain their lead at the top of the Professional League standings yesterday.

     With Connection leading at Industry Park Palo Seco, Police's Shawn David hit a penalty against the
     crossbar to the relief of the home supporters.

     The same player had earlier converted another penalty in the 26th minute to level the scores after St
     Lucian Valencius Joseph had given Connection a sixth minute lead.

     Earl Jean's 75th minute strike turned out to be the winner.

     Connection moved to 19 points but second placed Public and Defence Force (fourth, 13 points),
     both with a match in hand, are right on their heels and meet each other in a rescheduled encounter
     on Wednesday.

     CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh pulled off a last gasp 4-3 victory over reigning champions Defence
     Force at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Don Morris' 88th minute winner pushed the San Juan side
     to third spot with 15 points. Dale Saunders, Ralston James and Hector Sam were their other
     scorers

     At Macoya, Public got goals from two national players to overcome Caledonia 2-0.
     Arnold Dwarika and Stokely Mason were the men hitting the mark to give the Eastern Lions victory.
     Dwarika had a headed goal ruled offside but made amends in the 11th minute, collecting from Cyd
     Gray before turning and clinically firing a right-footer past Thomas. That was his sixth goal of the
     season and he is now second in the goalscorers' chart behind Connection's Brazilian striker Jose
     Manoel (7)

     Caledonia's first worthwhile try at goal came in the 23rd minute but former national striker Trevor
     Puckerin only managed to hit into the side netting from the left of the 18-yard box.
     Seven minutes before half time, Dwarika missed out on his second, denied by an advancing
     Thomas.

     But on the stroke of half-time, the Gold Cup All Star set up Mason to shoot into the left corner for
     Public's second goal.

     Following the break, both sides found difficulty in building attacks as a persistent drizzle fell across
     the ground.

     At the Arima Municipal Stadium Doc's Khelwalaas drew 1-1 with Arima Fire.
 

Soldiers burn down Arima

     REIGNING champions Defence Force moved into top spot on the Professional League standings
     by hammering Arima Fire 4-0 in an eight-round encounter at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo,
     last night.
 

     The soldiers were powered by double strikes by national under-23 striker Jason Scotland and
     Sherman "Ants" Phillip to move to 13 points. They have similar points and goal difference as Joe
     Public, Caledonia AIA and Vibe CT 105 W Connection, but are ahead by having scored more
     goals.
 

     AIA and Connection meet in their eighth-round encounter tomorrow.
     Public came away 3-0 winners over Police while CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh had to settle for a
     2-2 draw with Doc's Khelwalaas yesterday.
 

     Wrexham bound striker Hector Sam and Kittitian Keith Gumbs put Jabloteh on course for victory
     before Guyanese Collie Hercules curled a free kick home for the equaliser deep into injury time.
 

     At the Arima Municipal Stadium, Police held the "Eastern Lions" scoreless until half time, but coach
     Kenny Joseph's team enjoyed an eight-minute burst which brought three goals after the resumption.
 

     Striker Nigel Pierre, back on the wanted lists of English club Bristol Rovers, opened the scoring in
     the 60th minute. Midfielder Angus Eve, celebrated his return to the Public line-up from Chester City,
     with a 64th item and Adrian Narine rounded off the scoring four minutes later.
 

     At Hasely Crawford Stadium, both teams came out with guns blazing on the wet field.
     National midfielder Dennis Lawrence missed a sitter inside the second minute for the Army. Claude
     Adams sent Phillip through on the left, Lawrence was on the end of a cross, but somehow managed
     to hit wide of the right post from near the goal line.
 

     With the clock still to past five minutes, goalkeeper Ross Russell did well off his line to push out
     Devon Mitchell's attempt. Soon after Russell came up big again to block Hayden Braithwaite's
     attempt.
 

     Following the early rush for goals, Army got their opener in the 20th minute when Anton Pierre
     crossed from the right for Scotland to fire home from close up.
 

     The Firemen were backed by a lively rhythm section, but their ironman seemed to be enjoying
     himself more than the players who struggled to get any worthwhile attacks on goal before the break.
 

     Seven minutes into the second half, talented midfielder Carlos Edwards delivered a low cross from
     the right for the onrushing Phillip to stab home.
     Army continued to pile on the pressure and got a third goal when Pierre whipped in a cross from the
     right for Phillip to comfortably head into the net.
 

     Then on a counter attack in the 74th minute, the fourth goal arrived. Edwards started the play from
     near Army's 18-yard box, finding Dean Pacheco, who combined with Phillip before Scotland met a
     right side cross to complete the rout.