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29
Fri, Mar

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An outstanding hattrick by Hughton Hector was all it took for defending champions Vibe CT 105 W Connection to book their place in next weeks First Citizens Cup semi final against San Juan Jabloteh.

Despite the absence of skipper and injured striker Earl Jean the "Savonetta Boys" overcame a slow start to thump a ten-man Superstar Rangers 4-nil at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium in the first game of a First citizens Cup quarterfinals double header.

However, it was the St Anns side that had the first few attempts at goal when in the 9th minute striker Todd Ryan chested down a right-sided cross only to see his volley sail over-bar.

One minute later defender Don Morris’s swerving free kick had Connection goalie Jan Micheal-Williams at full stretch as it narrowly whizzed past his left vee.

However, the defending champions responded sharply with prolific marksman Andre Toussaint forcing a right-side corner, after his shot was deflected at the first post by Rangers keeper Jason Bowen.

Connections striker Mathew Bartholomew then spurned the chance to put his team ahead moments later when he headed wide at the first post from the ensuing corner kick.

Rangers refused to be outdone and retaliated with some attacks of their own.

In the 23rd minute Corneal Thomas had a shot on goal deflected to keeper Williams and Josimar Belgrave over hit an attempted lob after he sneaked through the heart of the Connection defence from a cheeky set play.

Loose defending caused the first goal of the match when Hector intercepted a bouncing ball at the edge of the Rangers penalty area before slipping a ball between two defenders for Andre Toussaint to slip past a hapless Bowen.

In the 43rd minute Hector thought he had increased the lead when he ran unto a lofted pass and lobbed the advancing keeper, however referee Russell Casimere ruled him offside.

Rangers lost Defender Don Morris early in the second half after he was red carded for an off the ball foul on Bartholomew.

The defending champions immediately made their advantage count when Hector collected on the left side cut unto his right foot and curled an unstoppable shot past the outstretched dive of Bowen.

Rangers refused to concede defeat however and forced keeper Williams into a series of fine saves.

However Connection went further ahead in the 72nd min when Hector drilled a neat shot from the right-side past into the back of the net.

It was all Connections’ game after that Superstar Rangers seemingly Gave up hope of a recovery.

Connection then sealed the game in the 83rd minute with Hector tucking the ball into the net off the body of the Rangers keeper, completing his hattrick and a comprehensive 4-0 win for Stuart Charles Fevrier's men.

The dominant W Connection will now meet their main rivals Jabloteh next week in the semis for a replay of last years final.