SITTING on nine points on the eight-team table are Slingerz FC but while they are ahead of rivals Alpha United thanks to their superior goal difference, the ‘West Side’ juggernauts are two points behind Pele FC (11 points). Tonight, the STAG Elite League continues at the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Base Camp Ayanganna ground, where Slingerz FC will do battle against the ‘Army’ in the night’s second fixture while Alpha United will come up first against Buxton United from 18:00hrs.
The GDF and Alpha United are the only two clubs locally who can boast of defeating Slingerz since the club was formed almost three years ago.
In fact, Slingerz won every tournament they featured in with the exception of the NAMILCO-sponsored event where the GDF sent them packing in the semi-finals.
The game tonight would be their third meeting, with Slingerz winning the previous encounter 2-1.
However, much has changed since then and while the GDF continued to be one of the top teams in Guyana, Slingerz solidified themselves as the team to beat whenever they feature.
Behind head coach Denzil Thompson, the military men won only one of their five matches played so far while losing two and drawing two.
They suffered their losses at the hands the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) and Monedderlust. They (GDF) are now sixth on the points table.
Eusi Phillips, the Fraser brothers (Delwin and Delroy) and captain Selwyn Isaacs will lead the Army’s attack against a tried and tested Slingerz FC team.
Slingerz FC are said to be the league’s most complete team and with the recent signing of Golden Jaguars midfield maestro Brandon Beresford, the Vergenoegen team have enhanced their chances of coming out on top.
Beresford, a USA Collegiate standout, though suited up, did not get to play for the club in their 2-0 win over Buxton United in Berbice last Saturday.
However, all systems were put in place for the 23-year-old to join his Golden Jaguars teammates Colin Nelson, Joshua Brown, Dwain Jacobs and Vurlon Mills on the pitch tonight.
Head-to-head, Slingerz FC should come out on top, but the GDF are known for their aggressive and never-say-die nature which sets the tone for an interesting clash.
Meanwhile, the night’s opening game has a great degree of significance, especially for Alpha United.
The ‘Hammer’, as they are usually called, played to a 1-1 draw against the GDF in their last game while Buxton United’s spirited fight against Slingerz FC in Berbice did not go in the East Coast club’s favour.
Alpha United, though having the same points as their rivals Slingerz FC (9 points), are behind on goal difference while Buxton United slumped to their fourth defeat in the league, after pulling off a 1-0 win against Monedderlust at the GFC ground.
Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover’s men could be a terrifying bunch once they fire on all cylinders and it will be interesting to see how Buxton United defence holds up to the likes of Kithson Bain, Daniel Wilson and Delon Lanferman – three forwards known for scoring easily especially against porous defenders.