Defence Force joins Caledonia in Digicel Pro Bowl Final
For a third time this season Defence Force meets Caledonia AIA in a Final after the two clubs registered victories against T&TEC FC and W Connection last Friday in the semi-final round of the Digicel Pro Bowl.
Caledonia were better on kicks from the penalty spot defeating the Digicel Pro League Champions 5-3 following a goalless draw in the first clash at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, and in the later game, Defence Force scored late goals for a 2-0 win against the ‘Electric Boys’.
Caledonia and Defence Force meets eachother from 8pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Thursday 17 May in the Final of the Pro Bowl.
Defence Force, defeated finalist in the FA Trophy and Lucozade Sport Goal Shield against Caledonia, started in high gear forcing T&TEC goalie Marvin Phillip to make two wraps in just the first minute, first against Richard Roy and the other a deflected effort by Jahvon Neptune.
The soldiers then had a clear opening in the 11th minute after pass by Roy evaded defender Corneal Thomas allowing Josimar Belgrave a clear look at goal, however the midfielder's low strike was inches wide of the far upright.
Roy himself missed by the same margin and post in the 38th minute after turning and letting off a tame low shot from inside the area.
The sturdy forward then powered his way inside the T&TEC area four minutes from the break but again his shot lacked power allowing an easy take for Phillip.
T&TEC, meantime, had its only real opportunity of the half in the 15th minute and did it in style with Marcus Joseph heading wide when he met Sylvester Teesdale's well weighted diagonal cross following a very fancy buildup.
The "Electric Boys" were on the defense again a minute before the break when Rodell Elcock guided a corner onto the foot of the upright before the ball was wrapped into safety by Phillip to maintain a goalless score at the interval.
Defence Force midfielder Curtis Gonzales then broke the deadlock in the 79th minute for a 1-0 score by striking a low powerful shot from distance which skid past an outstretched Phillip.
T&TEC’s late teenaged substitute Shaquille Henry added some life to his side and produced a fine diving header off a cross by Marcus Joseph in the 82nd minute, but was brilliantly denied by Kevin Graham.
Defence Force then concreted its win in the 83rd minute for a 2-0 score when in the 83rd minute substitute Kerry Joseph individually weaved his near the goal before slipping a shot past Phillip at near post, only two minutes after replacing Neptune.
T&TEC FC 0-2 Defence Force
Curtis Gonzales 79', Kerry Joseph 83'
T&TEC FC—Marvin Phillip(gk), Sylvester Teesdale(capt.), Corneal Thomas, Marcus Joseph, Javed Mohammed(Jay-son Joseph 57th minute), Keeron Benito, Anthony Noriega, Bevon Bass, Kevon Neaves(Shackeil Henry 57th minute), Akeem Adams, Aubrey David
Coaches—Reynold Carrington & Desmond Bailey
Defence Force—Kevin Graham(gk), Jahvon Neptune(capt.)(Kerry Joseph 81st minute), Devin Jordan, Richard Roy(Glynn Franklyn 88th minute), Jerwyn Balthazar, Ross Russell Jr., Rodell Elcock, Aklie Edwards, Curtis Gonzales, Marvin Jones, Josimar Belgrave(Michael Edwards 65th minute)
Coach—Ross Russell