Milerock out-shoot Eagles 3-2, Simon’s goal pilots Panthers past Champions

By: Joe Chapman
BIRTHDAY boy Marlon Simon handed his team their first full points when Amelia’s Ward Panthers upended defending champions Federal Winners Connection 1-0, while Milerock likewise earned their first win by overcoming the challenge of Eagles United 3-2 when the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA)/ GT Beer Christmas football championship continued at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground Friday night.

Milerock was first to record their victory after recovering from a 1-0 deficit created after a lapse in defence which allowed Kendolph Lewis to reach a through pass and score in the 44th minute, as the first half ended in favour of Eagles United.

After two losses,the Milerock team was determined not to make it three in a row and seven minutes after the break Clarence Huggins collected a good pass in the box to score the equalizer and seven minutes on, Miller was able to split two defenders and send a left foot shot into the back of the net for a 2-1 Milerock lead in the 59th minute.

Milerock stretched the lead further in the 64th minute when Collyer Daniels calmly patted the ball home at the last post. Eagles pulled back a consolation strike when Seon Barrett unleashed a powerful shot from the top of the 18 yards box to score in the 84th minute for a 3-2 advantage for Milerock, which remained unchanged when the final whistle came.

The second game also resulted in a first win for Amelia’s Ward Panthers as they halted the unbeaten run of the only Champion of the tournament, now in its 4th consecutive year, Winners Connection by the slimmest of margins 1-0.

The game’s decisive strike for Panthers came in the 41st minute and off the boot of Marlon Simon whose quickly taken free-kick from about 20 yards out breached the citadel of the Cup holders..

The defending Champions tried valiantly to get back into the game, but were met by stout defending from the Panthers who were unlucky not to add to the score despite some clear chances.

The tournament continues tonight at 18.00hrs when Silver Shattas take on Net Rockers, followed by Hi Stars against Blueberry Hill.