Timehri storm back to hand Agricola first loss; Grove top with one game to go

TIMEHRI Panthers showed some resolve to erase a two-goal deficit and storm to victory over Agricola Red Triangle – their first loss of the league – when day 8 action was contested yesterday at the Diamond Community Centre ground, East Bank Demerara.
On a day which saw three walkovers recorded, Grove Hi Tech won the other match that was played by a 3-0 margin over Diamond United, a win which has now taken them to 26 points with one game in hand.

The two sides decided to play after both won via walkover earlier in the day. Herstelling Raiders and Kuru Kururu Warriors did not show up to face them. The other team winning via walkover were Diamond Upsetters from Mocha Champs.
With just four minutes to go in the 30-minute (15 minutes per half) clash, Timehri Panthers were in a spot of bother and facing their second loss of the league, as Agricola were intent on maintaining their unbeaten run.

But that was not to be. Omar Sam, now the league’s leading goalscorer with 19 in eight matches, blasted a double in quick time to secure a memorable win. Agricola captain Jonathan Andries (11 goals) had handed his team the lead in the 11th minute and it was doubled by teammate Jermaine Taylor in the 19th minute.
Agricola lads were looking set to record yet another win but the determination of Timehri Panthers brought them over the line, Agricola suffering their first loss. Keron Williams it was who initially reduced the lead with a long-range missile that beat the Agricola custodian in the 26th minute.

It was exactly what the doctor had ordered and it brought the lads to life. Captain Omar Sam then took matters into his own hands and delivered the equaliser, another long-range shot that caught the goalkeeper again in the 28th minute.
With two minutes to go, Timehri were now taking the attack to the Agricola lads who did not have any answer and with one minute to go, Sam stood large and in charge as he rocketed in the winning goal to the delight of his teammates and coach, but to the dismay of the Agricola counterparts.

Grove notched their eighth win in 10 matches thanks to goals from Joshua Fredericks in the 1st minute, Jevon Pluck (9 goals) in the 16th minute and Jamal Cordis (13 goals) in the 17th.
Matches will continue on Tuesday at the same venue. Following is the latest Points Standings.