TRAVIS Waterton came up big as he led Topp XX into the final of this year’s Upper Demerara Football Association’s (UDFA) year-end championship with a 2-1 win against Haynes and Lewis Winners Connection. Underdogs Coomacka, through dazzling strikes by Keron Daw and Wheatland Thom, blanked second seed Botofago 2-0 in semi-final action played Sunday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.

Haynes and Winners Connection had a peep into the final as they took an early lead from one of their leading scorers in recent times when Shaquille Frank found the back of the net in the 12th minute. This was indeed a good start to their quest for another title. However, this was not to be, as Topp XX fought back to level things and to maintain their steady play.

Once the darlings of Linden and nationwide, Topp XX were able to defeat highly-ranked Winners Connection, to earn a berth in the final for the first time after some five years.

Topp XX side had gained their first goal from a buildup on the left side by Travis Waterton to Jamal Bentick, who attempted to square but Bentick was fouled in the box creating a penalty opportunity. This was taken by the experienced Waterton who made no mistake in the 41st minute for that 1-1 tie.

The go-ahead second goal was a beauty for Topp XX and it was scored by the creative Waterton. This time as he was headed into the opponents’ half from about 25 yards out on the right side of the field, he was fouled and a free-kick was awarded.

From that position the hard-hitting Waterton was able to blast through to score in the 45th minute and send Topp XX into a 2-1 advantage which they never relinquished in the second period and now look to their first open title in half a decade.

Semi-final number two on the night saw the Botofago players taking the game to their opponents early but the response of Coomacka showed that they were unafraid. From a set piece Coomacka scored their first goal and took the lead.

The ball was played by first back Kurston Thom through for midfield player Keron Daw to collect and finish in fine style in the  minute much to the celebration of the huge following they brought to the game.

Their second goal was the result of a corner taken by Kurston Thom from the left side and as the Botofago defence squandered a chance to clear, the alert Wheatland Thom, playing up front, tucked in for a 71st minute goal.

Tomorrow, New Year’s night, will be the deciding game to crown new champions and Topp XX can rekindle their past with another major title or Coomacka, first-timers, can cart off an unlikely victory.