ALPHA ‘The Hammer’ United and Riddim Squad steamrolled their opponents and made it into the quarterfinal round of the NaMilCo Football Festival Knockout Competition on Saturday night at the Tucville Playfield. In the opening match of the night, Riddim Squad comfortably advanced after crushing Houston Stars 4 – 0, then the night wrapped up with Alpha United claiming a 6 – 1 victory over the exhibition team, Banks Allstar.

Yesterday the competition continued with two more matches in the first knockout round, as Flamingo battled the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) in the opening match prior to the feature which had host, Fruta Conquerors, taking on Charlestown.

On Saturday night in the feature match up, it was a shocker when the underdogs, Banks DIH Allstar, drew first blood against the defending champion thanks to the accuracy of Randy Stoby who scored in the sixth minute.

However, former Fruta Conquerors forward Manasseh Primo found the equalizer for Alpha United in the 15th minute, then they gained the lead when Quason McAulay found the back of the net in the 22nd minute.

As the game progressed, ‘The Hammer’ began to strike with even more force as Leon Grumble and Kevin McKenzie scored in the 28th and 40th minute to put their team in a comfortable 4 – 1 position at the half time whistle.

In the second half, Alpha, playing under a wealth of comfort was able to score twice more, compliments of Shevon Seaforth (55th) and Franu Crandon (75th).

In the opening match up, the ever improving Riddim Squad team pierced Houston Stars’ upright twice in both halves as they rallied to victory. Sheldon Hope scored in the second minute and Steffin Ramsay in the 35th to account for opening half’s goal, while Julian Forris scored in the 47th and 58th minute to put victory beyond doubt.