Sunday, April 11, 1999

All eight do battle today

THE battle for the $500,000 first prize continues today when all eight teams take the field as the third round of action gets going in the Craven A Professional Football League at three venues across the country.

Not much separate either of the eight teams, but those in the top three all have a chance of holding the top spot at the end of the day.

Early front runners W Connection host newcomers Futgof at Guaracara Park, Pointe-a-Pierre, from 4:00 pm.

David John Williams and crew were involved in late Easter Monday celebrations last week when St Lucian Earl Jean scored a 78th minute winner against Point Fortin Civic Centre. Connection displayed a strong will for victory and surely will hope to cast their opponents aside today. Futgof (one point) have not yet clicked as they would like to and if they don't today may will be in for a torrid time.

A double-header is scheduled for Dr Joao Havelange Concacaf Centre of Excellence, Macoya, where third-placed Joe Public tackle Police also from 4:00 pm, followed by an interesting clash between Doc's Khelwalaas and CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh.

Public (four points) are coming off a 3-1 win over Doc's and their multi-talented unit, headed by the likes of skipper Arnold Dwarika and Kendall Velox, could pose real problems for the lawmen. It is left to be seen whether coach Jamaal Shabaaz will introduce new signings Terry St Louis and Anthony Dhanoolal into this game.

Police meanwhile, will want to prove they are no push-overs. Alvin Boisson and his fellow officers may need early warrants before they can fully arrest the "Eastern Lions".

In the second match at Macoya, Doc's (three points), playing under new head coach Neil Sorzano, following Nevick Denoon's departure, will want to right away show that latter's dismissal was a worthy one. Guyanese Collie Hercules and local striker Sherman "Ants" Phillip will need to fire with precision. Jabloteh have so far been a shadow of last year's team which took the FA Trophy competition and have their work cut out if they hope to trouble their Central rivals.

At Mahaica Oval, Point Fortin, home fans will be anticipating a good showing from Point Fortin Civic Centre, who have not gained a point as yet. They meet Defence Force (six points) at 4:00 pm and Hutson Charles will hope to inspire his team to an away victory which will push them into the top spot, helped by a Connection slip up of course.