Naparima College showed backbone to secure an opening victory in the BG T&T Secondary Schools Football League yesterday, coming from behind to edge their hosts San Juan North Secondary 2-1.
At Bourg Mulatresse, "Naps" overcame a slow start and early goal to take full points back to South, as Akindla Gregory supplied the winner 13 minutes before the end of regulation time.
Before that, Shane Sandy leveled to bring Naparima into the locker room on even terms at halftime, canceling out the 14th minute item from Jaycee David. San Juan pushed hard for the late equaliser, but the clinical finish was lacking, and therefore the points are as well.
Still, on a slick outfield that was blessed with showers prior to the encounter, there was enough to suggest that the new Premier Division might be pretty competitive this year.
Naparima's confidence will only grow under Angus Eve if they get a good early run in the League, while for San Juan, better finishing could see them improve as the season wears on.
The first goal was arguably the best. David got the perfect service, a floater coming in from the left, and his timing was even better as he slammed the half volley beyond helpless Naps goalkeeper Darriel Kurjah.
The exchanges were fairly even, but it took Naparima until the 37th to bring their threats to fruition, Sandy making full use of an attempted clearance. It sat up for him nicely as he sized up and launched the return ball from 30 metres through a crowd and past Jabari Brice in San Juan goal.
The home side pushed for the advantage after the break, but never quite found that touch needed in the final third.
Naparima, though, showed better ball handling and composure in attack, and they were rewarded late in the second half. A long ball into the San Juan defence, and a deflection off a defender invited Gregory to have a go at goal in the 77th.
He obliged by pushing the ball into the box and firing low, and firmly, past the onrushing Brice.
The final minutes of the match belonged to the home team, but late misses did not help their cause, leaving their opponents to go home the happier bunch.
Yesterday's SSFL scores:
Naparima 2 (Shane Sandy 37th, Akindla Gregory 77th) San Juan North 1 (Jaycee David 14th)
Trinity 2 v St Anthony's College 4
Carapichaima East 0 v Chaguanas North 0
Presentation San Fernando 1 v Arima North 3
Shiva Boys 1 v Fatima 2
San Juan North 1 v Naparima College 2