Grove Hi-Tech and Amelia’s Ward United through on penalty kicks
ON a cold rainy night in Georgetown, Grove Hi-Tech and Amelia’s United produced two sensational performances as action in the 22nd Kashif and Shanghai Football tournament continued Friday evening at the GCC Ground Bourda. Both teams went through to the next round via penalty kicks as the East Bank Demerara team had the better of Netrockers of Linden 5-3 while Amelia’s United rout former Champions BK International Western Tigers 4-3.
Amelia’s Ward United, the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) League Champions came into the contest looking as if they were one-time winners of the prestigious tournament and showed the hunger of a championship-contesting team.
Led by former National midfielder Travis ‘Chicken’ Watterton, Amelia’s Ward played with much purpose, displaying unselfish football fashioned with some fanciness which paid dividend in the 22nd minute when Watterton was a few steps away from the top of the 18-yard box.
The player, known around for his master free-kicks, spotted the ball after referee Mark Young signalled the foul, took a few steps back and then with a powerful right-foot shot, he (Watterton) ‘bent it like Beckham’ around the Western Tigers’ wall, past goalkeeper Derrick Carter and into the back of the net.
The team continued to press forward, with the ball being distributed by Watterton mostly on the side of winner Marlon Simon, who had an excellent game, but they had slacked on defence in the 30th minute, causing Randolph Wagner to equalise after he received a cross from Dwayne Ali, only to find himself alone with the goalkeeper.
A one-time right-footed volley did enough for Wagner’s shot to get the better of Amelia’s Ward goalie Odell Allicock.
Both teams had equal chances to score in the first half but had to settle for ending the period with the scores deadlocked on a goal each.
The second half saw the small but vocal crowd being entertained by some quality display of football and just about 10 minutes into the second half, Shawn ‘Dash’ Daniels caught the defenders sleeping and slammed home a shot off Watterton free-kick rebound.
But the Linden team’s celebration was short-lived with Wendell St Hill equalising for Western Tigers in the 64th minute.
The second half finished with the two sides 2-2 signalling another long night for the spectators who were kept on their feet throughout the game.
The extra period produced more excitement as the two sides threw away some easy chances and of course Watterton’s exceptional night continued, as he tormented the goalkeeper with his booming free kicks and fancy display of football.
Referee Mark Young then, after time expired, blew his whistle and pointed to the penalty spot where the two sides had to duel to determine a winner.
Dwayne Ali was first up to kick for Western Tigers who were chasing their second Kashif and Shanghai Football Tournament title and his shot hit the cross bar and rebounded.
Amelia’s Ward goalkeeper Odel Allicock then went to the spot and sent his side up one then saved the next shot, making it 0-2 for Western Tigers.
Watterton then scored his shot while Carter, a former recipient of the MVP prize in the tournament, saved one, but it all came down to the last shot which was taken by Monty Simon who, after scoring, saw the Amelia’s Ward team bench erupt in celebration.
Meanwhile, the tournament will continue today at the Uitvlugt Community Centre with another double-header where Bakewell Buxton Star will clash with Seawall United and five-time champions Bakewell Topp XX match skills Den Amstel.