– Seawall upset Bakewell Topp XX, Buxton Stars outclass Den Amstel
FIVE-time champions Bakewell Topp XX were sent packing by Seawall United after falling 2-1, when the two sides met on Sunday evening, as action in the 22nd annual Kashif and Shanghai Football tournament continued at the Uitvlugt Community Centre ground. Earlier in the evening, Bakewell Buxton Stars got the better of Den Amstel via a 2-1 score line but the second game of the double-header saw a large crowd being entertained by some fast-paced football between the club from the ‘West Side’ (Seawall) and the team considered the pride of Linden (Topp XX).
Since 1994, Topp XX have always been in the mix or one of the teams always favoured to win the Kashif and Shanghai tournament.
They have had some of the country’s best players such as Collie Hercules, Kayode McKinnon, Howard Lowe, Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard, Quacy Johnson and Carey Harris, just to name a few, all of whom had won titles with the Bakewell-sponsored side.
Their five titles came in 1994, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2005. They have also played in more finals than any other team in the tournament hence they (Topp XX) were termed ‘Linden’s Hope’.
Colwyn Davis, in the third minute of the heated contest, signalled the intention that the Linden team would attempt winning a sixth title, as they enjoyed a 1-0 lead heading into the first half, which could’ve been 2-0 had their guest player, former national Jermaine Scott’s powerful free-kick from the top of the 18-yard box not hit the crossbar midway the first half.
Seawall’s persistence and clogging defence paid off just three minutes into the second half (48th) when Topp XX’s sloppy playing by defenders allowed Deloyn Josiah to creep in and take away a clumsy goalkick and convert it into an equalising goal.
The Linden team, known for their attacking since they’re normally laced with players who can easily score goals, lacked that fire power as coach Lincoln Zypher played Jamie Wilson and Keon Sears up front, with the latter being more effective.
As a matter of fact, Topp XX didn’t really trouble Seawall’s goal much in the second half and played with no purpose. Even their usually flamboyant midfielder and captain Quacy Johnson seemed out of zone during the match.
Nonetheless, backed by a highly vocal crowd at the venue, Seawall’s Anthony Harding (71th) converted a penalty after being brought down in the 18-yard box.
Topp XX’s goalkeeper, who had been troubling with an injury since early in the first half, didn’t even bother to attempt a save as Harding sent the crowd wild.
A few fresh legs were brought into the game by both teams but the result remained the same. The win means that Seawall will head to Linden on Boxing Day (December 26) to face two-time winners Milerock.
The opening game set the perfect tone for the day and while Bakewell Buxton Stars may have won the match (2-1), Den Amstel only have themselves to blame given the fact that they played the most ‘football’.
Jamaal George’s goal in the third minute and Terry Caesar’s in the 61st minute sent the team from the East Coast of Demerara through to the next round.
Den Amstel’s lone strike came from Andre Hector in the 19th minute as they would have to wait until next year to better their chances of winning the country’s most prestigious tournament.
Meanwhile, the tournament continues tomorrow at the Beterverwagting Community Centre ground when Bakewell Buxton Stars take on the home side BV Triumph and East Coast champions while 2001 Kashif and Shanghai winners Victoria Kings collide with Grove Hi-Tech in the opening encounter from 18:30 hrs.
So far, 2008 Champions Pele and Amelia’s Ward United are the only teams to have so far qualified for the quarter-finals.