Joe Public Gets Caledonia Test
The Eastern Lions got the start they wanted on their return to the T&T Pro League, defeating North East Stars in the opening match—their objective now to push on and gather as many points as possible, as they aim to challenge the ‘big boys’ this season.
Their Jamaican strike force of Carlington Smith and Roen Nelson seemed to have picked up where they left off in the Super League, both men getting on the score sheet in their first game.
Caledonia AIA Fire will present somewhat of a sterner test for the Eastern Lions—Caledonia will go into the game confident as they are also coming off a victory over Defence Force in the first game—the battle for early points is on.
Rangers To Build On Dream Start
The new kids on the block, Superstar Rangers took care of Tobago United and got off to a dream start in their debut season in the T&T Pro League —their next mission – to topple the Lucozade Sport Big Six winners United Petrotrin.
The St. Anns based team did enough to defeat last season whipping boys Tobago United, but they should face a stronger challenge from Brian Williams and his Oilmen.
Petrotrin found life difficult in their first game of the season, having the unenviable task of meeting the defending champions W Connection—Petrotrin were outclassed losing 0-3.
So the Oilmen need to rebound and rebound quickly before they lose early ground on the forerunners and more importantly they would want to make a statement against the newcomers Rangers.
World Cup bound Anthony Rougier will lead the team and will be hoping to inspire the Oilmen.
Tobago United Seek To Match Jabloteh
The boys from the Sister Isle got off to another losing start and really only have themselves to blame, as they missed a number goal scoring opportunities against Superstar Rangers and they were made to pay the ultimate price—it does not get any easier for Peter Granville’s men as they face the might of Jabloteh next.
Jabloteh are coming off a narrow 1-0 win over San Fernando Starworld Strikers, and despite not playing the kind of football they are accustomed too—the Jabloteh technical staff will be demanding nothing less than a victory over the little fancied Tobago Boys, as the San Juan based unit strive for a fast start in the race for the League title this season.
The San Juan boys will however, have to do without their head coach Terry Fenwick, as the English born coach has been banned for 2 games, after he allegedly used obscene language at a 4th official.
The Army Meet The Stars
Both Defence Force and North East Stars suffered defeats in their opening games to Caledonia and Joe Public respectfully.
So the both camps will be eager to get some much needed points on the board—both teams finished in the middle table last season and will be determined to prove they belong where the air is rare in the top half of the table.
Both teams have new coaches in charge this season and both coaches will want to prove they are worth their salt.
Anthony Barrington is back in control of the Army and Miguel Hackett is in charge of North East—none of them would like to get off to a shaky start.
Connection Aim For Victory Number 2
Convincing winners over United Petrotrin—the defending champions will want to continue in their rich vein of form as they face their neighbors San Fernando Starworld Strikers.
Connection looked the sharpest team in the opening round of games, slamming Petrotrin 3-0 and Coach Stuart Charles Fervier still believes his team is not operating at maximum mode just yet.
They may very well face a challenge from Starworld Strikers, who is being coached by the much-respected Gally Cummings.
Starworld gave Jabloteh a run for their money, Jabloteh could only muster a 1-0 win—it will be interesting to see how they match up against the Champions W Connection.
Round 2—Saturday 15th April, 2006
United Petrotrin vs Superstar Rangers—
Palo Seco Recreation Ground—6 p.m.
Joe Public vs Caledonia AIA Fire—
Centre of Excellence—6p.m.
San Juan Jabloteh vs Tobago United—
Larry Gomes Stadium—5p.m.
Defence Force vs North East Stars—
Larry Gomes Stadium—7p.m.
Round 2—Sunday 16th April, 2006
W Connection vs Starworld Strikers—
Ato Boldon Stadium—6p.m.