Georgetown side Fruta Conquerors and Netrockers of Linden defied harsh weather conditions and tough opponents to advance to the quarter-finals of the 18th annual Kashif and Shanghai Football Festival on a rain-drenched Sunday evening at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground.
Fruta Conquerors edged arch-rivals BV/Triumph United of East Coast Demerara 2-1, while Netrockers squeezed past Sunburst Camptown 3-2 in extra time in two closely fought matches hampered by persistent rainfall and an almost water-logged field as the annual tournament made its entry into Georgetown.
Like the earlier matches in the tournament at Linden, rain again made life difficult for players but the two teams with the greater resilience and composure made it to the next round.
Conquerors, who were beaten by the East Coast side a few weeks ago in the Namilco Football Festival, scored the winning goal almost on the stroke of the final whistle when Vurlon Mills, who just returned from playing in Trinidad and Tobago, hit home a well placed shot in time added on.
Walter Moore had sent his team in the lead in the 18th minute of play as the Conquerors side opted to play frequent long balls under the soggy conditions.
Moore, who tormented the BV Triumph defence very early in the match with some effective runs on the left flank, lobbed the ball over an advancing BV Triumph United goalkeeper and defender from a right side counter-attack.
The Georgetown side held on to the lead with their effective aerial plays until ten minutes into the second half when the hardworking Keon Garnett clipped past the Conquerors defenders and hit home the equalizer.
The goal ignited BV fans and players as they attempted to beat Conquerors once again but it was not it be as Mills’ shot hit the upright and rebounded into the goal just seconds before the final whistle.
One minute’s silence was observed before the start of the match in memory of Neil Hernandez, a former national player and member of Conquerors team who died a few weeks ago.
Netrockers held their nerve to beat Sunburst Camptown after holding a confortable 2-0 lead at one stage.
Keyon Bristol struck twice in the 13th and 77th minute for the Linden side and they looked all set to cruise to victory.
But Camptown, who looked more organized in the second half made some effective raids and were rewarded when Steve Bishop scored in the 81st minute beating an advancing Deon Tyrell in goal for Netrockers.
Tito Adams then scored the equalizer for in time added on beating an airborne Tyrell.
Both teams fought to gain the upper hand but Camptown lost their captain and former national defender Orlando Gilgeous who received a red card in extra time and the pressure was more than they could bear as Deshawn Joseph hit home the game’s winner in 111th minute.
The action will continue this evening with quarter-final action double header at the GFC ground.
Pele will square off with Bakewell Buxton Stars in the first match billed to start at 19:00 hours.
The feature game will pit Alpha United against West Demerara side Pouderoyen in a much anticipated showdown.
The action will then switch to the Mackenzie Sports Club ground tomorrow (Boxing Day) with two more matches.
Linden’s Top XX will oppose Netrockers in the first match and Winners Connections will do battle with Conquerors as quarter-final action continues.
