One-Guyana President’s Cup football…

A dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout win by Block 22 over Blueberry Hill was the end result of the lone opening game in the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA)-organised Region 10, One-Guyana President’s Cup fixture which was played on Sunday afternoon at the Wisburg Secondary School ground, Wismar, Linden.

The game was played on a heavy outfield and the end result was somewhat controversial since Blueberry Hill seemed set for victory with less than two minutes to play in regulation time, after they had nudged home the lone goal early in the first-half when Isiah Webster scored in the 15th minute.

Following a good opening run in the first-half there were at least four clear scoring chances by Block 22, with the most glaring one coming two minutes into the game when the goal-keeper of Blueberry Hill was caught stranded just about ten yards out, but the Blueberry Hill striker/s shot went wide of the open goal.

At least three other chances went abegging before Adams gave Blueberry Hill the lead at the end of the first- half with them ahead 1-0. Blueberry Hill then held sway until that strike from the penalty spot.

Clearly fouled was Andre Webster soon against the run of play to what appeared to be a non-call in the box when under pressure, there was a clear handled ball by a Block 22 defender.

This was acknowledged as the assistant referee initially raised his flag but it was not captured by the referee in the middle.

At the other end of that play with two minutes left, Webster was fouled by the Blueberry Hill custodian as he advanced towards the goal.

Sent to take that penalty was Webster and his right-foot shot crashed to the left upright and from that rebound, he tucked home the equaliser.

That questionable goal saw the kicker play the ball again without any other player touching it, and this did not sit well with Blueberry Hill. Regulation and extra time plays did not unlock that 1-1 stalemate.

Following that unchanged score from the five mandatory kicks taken, Block 22 emerged winners 4-3 and Chronicle Sport was told a protest was likely to be launched yesterday with the UDFA about the penalty decision. (Joe Chapman)