A FIRST-HALF double from Denzil Crawford set the platform for defending champions Grove Hi Tech to defeat Herstelling Raiders 4-1, in the opening match of the STAG-sponsored East Bank Football Association (EBFA) Senior League last Sunday afternoon at the Grove Playfield.Grove, fielding a side primarily made up of Under-18 players started the game scratchily but they found their range as the match progressed. Herstelling Raiders in their second season at the senior level looked a more experienced unit from the last competition when they placed 7th out of eight teams.
However, the seasoned nature of the Grove players made the difference between the two sides as the match progressed. Herstelling stood firm in the first 30 minutes but could not hold back the home team from taking control.
Denzil Crawford netted the first of his brace on the half-hour, a shot that was partially blocked by Herstelling custodian and captain Quazim Yussuf. With a minute to halftime, Crawford was on target again.He beat Yussuf to his left again, as the Herstelling defence was caught napping.
In the second half, Grove continued to dominate proceedings with Herstelling showing a few signs of brilliance which did not translate itself into goals.
Second-half substitute Kevin Dalton, who ended as the top goalscorer and MVP of the Under-17 League, showed his ability to score yet again with a well-placed header in the 70th minute that further strengthened Grove’s hold on the match, 3-0.
Yussuf, a former National Under-17 goalkeeper did not help his or his team’s cause, as ordinary work saw a tame shot from Orson Francois slide under his outstretched body and into the back of the nets with three minutes to full time. Grove then took and unassailable 4-0 lead.
Herstelling were able to score a consolation goal in the penultimate minute of the match; Alwyn White sliding the ball into the back of the net despite the efforts of Trevor Jones to deny him after custodian Michael Matthews was beaten.
Matches will continue this Sunday at the same venue. Agricola Red Triangle will square off with Diamond United in the feature match at 15:30hrs. Opening play at 13:30hrs brings together Kuru Kururu Warriors and Soesdyke Falcons.