IT TOOK a 90th minute strike from winger Eon Alleyne for Fruta Conquerors to secure a 1–0 win over a stubborn Buxton United while Monedderlust picked up three points following an exciting 3-0 come-from-behind win over the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) when action in the STAG Elite League continued on Saturday at the No.5 Ground in Berbice. Watched by a huge crowd at the West Coast Berbice venue, Alleyne showed why he is regarded as one of the top local talents on the country’s national side when he dug deep in the reservoir to pull on an inspiring performance to help his Tucville-based club pick up their first win in the league.
Coach Calvin Allen sadly lost forward Travis Thornhill who had to be stretchered off after breaking his ankle in a play.
Fruta Conquerors will now host Monedderlust on Thursday, September 24 where they will look to climb atop the points table, while the Berbicians looking to do the same.
Playing at their home ground, Monedderlust faced the always fit GDF team who, behind coach Denzil Thompson, pressed the Berbice defence in their (GDF) hunt for goals.
After coming close to the net in several early plays, Delroy Fraser scored the game’s first goal in the 11th minute then his brother Delwyn doubled the score in the 22nd minute to give the ‘Army’ a 2-0 lead.
Monedderlust regrouped and the tide changed in the game, with Gordon Braithwaite’s men going from being the ‘hunted’ to the ‘hunters’.
Their persistent pressure on the GDF’s defenders saw Keivin Sullivan buckle under pressure and brought Monedderlust back into the game when he scored his own goal in the 29th minute.
Heading into the second half, trailing 2-1, Travis Henry levelled the scores in the 52nd minute and two minutes later, Kevin Cotty’s strike turned out to be the winner as Monedderlust grabbed an important win.
The GDF will now head back to the drawing board for their match on Thursday against Buxton United at the Tucville ground.
With both teams losing their opening matches, Thursday’s game should be an interesting one with the two sides chasing their first win in the STAG Elite League.