By Joe Chapman

KWAKWANI Strikers joined Silver Shattas in their group to lead on six points when they outhustled Net Rockers 3-2. Botofago won for their second straight to also be on six points in the other group. They closed out Amelia’s Ward Panthers 3-0, as the Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) GT Beer Christmas football championship continued in group play at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground on Wednesday night.In the first game Kwakwani Strikers kept their hopes alive after three games in their group of five and now have six points from three games, winning two and losing one.
Handel Crossman got the Strikers off to a good start after receiving a corner from Dellon Duke for a 1-0 advantage in the 7th minute.
However, the Rockers found the back of the net as DaShawn Young netted in the 30th minute and then took the lead in the 35th minute from a strike by Shane Luckie, as they were 2-1 ahead and were looking good at half-time whistle.
Bu the Strikers were not to be denied and they came through to level the scores 2-2 after Norville Adrian was fouled just outside the 18-yard box.
The shot taken by Shane Adams was through the wall from the right to the ever-pressing Dale Sauers, who was able to complete the scoring act just around the six yards box in the 58th minute.
The two teams battled for the tie-breaker which came in the 90th minute of the game through a corner taken by Dellon Clinkett. Defender Eon ‘Bully’ Pluck was there to plant a header to score the winning goal and hand his team a 3-2 victory.
The second game was all Botofago who smashed their way past Amelia’s Ward Panthers 3-0. They remain unbeaten like Winners Connection on six points, to head that group, as Jashawn Moore opened their scoring in the 19th minute from a through pass 1-0. The first half ended with the Botofago looking composed and leading 1-0.
The second goal was achieved after the defenders were unable to clear in the mouth of the goal, where Kellon Primo sneaked through and scored in the 49th minute of the second period.
Shawn Haynes then to register another for Botofgao – with Panthers defence in disarray – in the 83rd minute for a 3-0 lead which never changed.
This evening Eagles United will look to get their first win after drawing their game against Net Rockers. They face Milerock who must win to have any chance of coming out of their group.
This game at 18:00hrs will be followed by the clash between unbeaten Winners Connection and winless Amelia’s Ward Panthers.