WINNERS Connection and Botofago got off to good starts on Wednesday, as they scored comfortable wins when the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) First division League got underway at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.Playing in the opening game of the double-header, Winners Connection stopped Net Rockers 4-1 while Botofago got the better of Blueberry Hill United, winning 3-1.
Veteran striker Rawle ‘Boney’ Gittens led Winners Connection with a hat-trick, scoring his first in the 5th minute when he broke down the wing and had the better of the Net Rockers defence.
His second was a chipped shot which came after he was able to elude his markers in the 18th minute to put his side 2-0 up. However, youthful striker Shane Luckie pulled one back for Net Rockers when he netted in the 36th minute, as the Winners Connection ended the first half ahead 2-1.
Gittens continued to stamp his authority on the game when got his third of the night in the 64th minute. With things in Winners Connection’s favour the pressure was felt by Net Rockers defenders as Orande Wills, in trying to clear from his Rockers goal mouth, succeeded only in producing an own goal in the 72nd minute for a 4-1 score.
Meanwhile, the game between Botofago and Blueberry Hill was even more exciting for the many football fans, who turned up to support their teams.
Teven David was the first player to get on the score sheet for Botofago with a 40-yard shot which beat the goalkeeper of Blueberry Hill, Kellon Neblett, to send his team ahead in the 20th minute.
Another goal was scored four minutes later, as Tevin Thompson was fouled above the 18-yard box and the spot kick taken, but Carlos Monkhouse pierced through for a 2-0 Botofago lead. Their opponents recovered, but were unable to hit the back of the net.
Blueberry Hill continued their fightback in the second half and should have scored at least twice but were rewarded in the 58th minute through Mark Liddell with the scores reading 2-1.
Blueberry Hill pressed for an equaliser, but stout defending, plus their own inability to make the most of half-chances, enabled the Botofago unit to survive and put the final nail in their coffin, when off a set play inside the 18-yard box, the ball was slid for an onrushing Shaquille Clarke to easily slot home the decider for a 3-1 Botofago win in the 89th minute.

By Joe Chapman