TABLE leaders and reigning champions of the KFC Elite League, Guyana Defence Force, returning to the field for the first time since the untimely death of their goalkeeper Enoch Carmicheal, put on an outstanding performance with passion and pride in memory of their fallen comrade.

The soldiers played with determination and purpose to win, 7-nil, against Buxton United.

Kelsey Benjamin needed exactly 28 minutes before he pounced on a pass to register the first goal, after which he brandished a shirt honouring the fallen player, Carmicheal.

Minutes after Kelsey’s goal, Abumchi Benjamin added his name to the score sheets to make it 2-nil in the 30th.

Kelsey returned in the 35th and 45th minutes to give them an unassailable 4-nil lead at the half, as the army men imposed their authority on the match.

Lennox Young, 76th, Delroy Fraser in the 86th, and Shemar Scott in the 87th completed the impressive victory from the defending champions.

The showing was an ominous one from the GDF, who seemed to have a more clinical edge and hunger that could propel them to another title in Season 6 of the KFC Elite League.

Meanwhile, the opening clash saw Den Amstel take a surprise 1-nil victory over Fruta Conquerors FC.

The Tucville-based Conquerors were looking to bounce back after some less-than-notable performances, but have remained inconsistent.

Den Amstel’s Andre Hector was the lone scorer in the match-up.

The win sees Den Amstel overtaking Fruta on the points table into 6th place, with 5 wins and 3 draws after 15 games.

The GDF are at the top of the standings with 12 wins and a draw after 13 games, with a plus-14 goal difference.

Slingerz FC are second on 10 wins and 2 draws in 12 outings, with the Guyana Police Force third with 9 wins in 12 games, followed by Santos in fourth with 8 wins, and Western Tigers with 6 wins in fifth place in the 10-team points table.

The league resumes this evening with a pair of clashes.

Ann’s Grove plays Monedderlust, and Western Tigers meets Santos, with the games kicking off at 18:30 hours at the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Centre at Providence.