![The victorious Sparta Boss team pose with their spoils after overcoming Back Circle in the finale of the NSC/Magnum Mash Cup Futsal Championship at the National Gymnasium. Present in the photo are Director of Sports Christopher Jones [3rd from right] and Magnum Brand Manager Edison Jefford [2nd from right]](https://s1.stabroeknews.com/images/2019/03/sparta4.jpg)
A performance aptly fitting the moniker of Most Valuable Player [MVP] from custodian Devon Charles helped Sparta Boss secure a 2-1 penalty shoot-out victory over Back Circle in the National Sports Commission/Magnum Mash Cup Futsal Championship final on Saturday.
It was a clash befitting of a final and was witnessed by arguably the largest crowd to ever descend on the Mandela Avenue structure, the National Gymnasium.
Among the dignitaries present were Minister of State, Joseph Harmon and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones.
Their attendance added to the electric atmosphere as penalty kicks were required to settle the gripping fixture after regulation and extra time saw a 4-4 stalemate.
The sea of spectators which surrounded the playing area, forming a ring of continuous echoes, were firmly in the corner of the youthful Back Circle unit.
However, Charles rose above the decibel level and taunts to hand Sparta the perfect start to the shoot-out, denying Stephon Reynolds brilliantly low to his right.
The North East La Penitence unit quickly capitalized in the form of Jermin Junior to take the lead, a moment which was raucously celebrated by their fandom, who were significantly a minority.
Back Circle levelled proceedings to start the second round, with Jermin Beckles blasting his effort past Charles but Sparta took a 2-1 lead compliments of a Sheldon Shepherd conversion.
Nevertheless, Charles would seal the title for his side, denying Selwyn Williams to start the third and final round with a brilliant stop low to his left.
It was a fitting conclusion to a match which neither side dominated. Gregory `Jackie Chan’ Richardson handed Spartans the lead in the 10th minute, only for Back Circle to equalise one minute later through Williams.
The East Ruimveldt side raced into the lead as Beckles made his presence felt with a 17th minute effort. The lead proved to be short-lived and highlighted the competitive nature of the clash as the versatile Eusi Phillips netted in the 19th minute.
The trend of the clash continued in the second half with Sparta restoring their one-goal advantage in the 32nd minute through Ryan Hackett, only for Beckles to equalize the score two minutes onward.
A further two goals would be added on either side, with Junior recording his second in the 36th minute and Aaron sealing his double in the 38th minute to send the contest into the extra time and eventual penalty shoot-out realm.
Sparta Boss walked away with $600,000 and the winner’s trophy while the losing finalists pocketed $350,000 and the runner-up accolade.
Meanwhile, Bent Street edged Gold is Money 3-1 on penalty kicks after regulation time ended 2-2 in the third place playoff.
Prior to the penalty shoot-out, Clive Nobrega and Sheldon Holder scored in the seventh and 19th minute respectively for Bent Street. For Gold is Money, Colin Nelson and Hubert Pedro netted in the 11th and 30th minute apiece.
Bent Street walked away with $200,000 and the third place trophy, with Gold is Money relegated to $100,000 and the corresponding fourth place accolade.
Other sponsors of the event included Trophy Stall, Insurance Brokers and Nigel Hinds.
Complete Results Final
Back Circle-4 vs Sparta Boss-4
Sparta won 2-1 on penalty kicks
Sparta Scorers
Gregory Richardson-10th
Eusi Phillips-19th
Ryan Hackett-32nd
Jermin Junior-36th
Back Circle Scorers
Jermin Beckles-17th and 34th
Selwyn Wiliams-11th
Adrian Aaron-38th
3rd Place
Bent Street-2 vs Gold is Money-2
Bent Street won 3-1 on
penalty kicks
Bent Scorers
Clive Nobrega-7th
Sheldon Holder-19th
Gold is Money Scorers
Colin Nelson-11th
Hubert Pedro-30th
