THE Guyana Defense Force (GDF) made a most positive start to their title-chasing campaign of the GFF-Stag Elite League when season two kicked off yesterday, before several hundred fans, at the DCC ground in Queenstown. The soldiers, in a ruthless display, made light work of newcomers Victoria Kings with a resounding 7-1 victory in the season’s opening match-up. It was a most unwelcome debut engagement for the East Coast side which looked far from match-ready for Guyana’s top flight football.
The Army’s onslaught was spearheaded by second half substitute Sherwyn Caesar who netted the first hat-trick of the season with strikes in the 78th, 87th and 90th minutes.
In the first segment of the match the Army led 3-0 at the break with Delroy Fraser having the distinction of scoring the first goal, of season two, in the 20th minute.
Three minutes later Jeffrey Perreira doubled the score and in the 31st. minute, Olvis Mitchell made it 3-0.
Five minutes after the interval,Eusi Phillips pushed the Army to a 4-0 lead before 29 year-old Caesar took centre-stage in a 12-minute explosion (78th to 90th) that was briefly interrupted in the 86th minute when Martis Johnson who opened the Kings’ account for the season with a consolation goal.
The speedy Caesar who was introduced ten minutes after the half-time told Chronicle Sport that it was his ‘cognitive skills and composure as well as following the Coach’s instructions that resulted in him producing the first treble of the season.
In the nigh cap, Fruta Conquerors led Linden’s Bakewell Top XX 2-0 up to press time. Germaine Junior scored both goals.(Ras Wadada)