Andy Ramlochan scored the winner on Tuesday as Spartan edged North Oropouche 1-0 to stay in contention for a spot in the “Big 8” of the Caribbean Welders Fishing Pond Football League.
Despite the narrow 1-0 scoreline, the contest was far from a close one with Spartan dominating, teasing and sometimes walking past their opponents at times.
It was probably the worst performance by a demoralised North Oropouche team, now out of the running for the knockout rounds.
Surprisingly, it was North Oropouche who fashioned the first real chance of the game early in the first-half. Rudy Sooknanan collected the ball and burst down the right flank before delivering an inch perfect cross into the box where a late arriving Mark Ramdeen failed to get good connection on his left-footed volley, allowing the goalkeeper to make the save.
At the other end, though, Ramlochan was making his presence felt, dictating the Spartan play with his clever off-the-ball running and passing.
The North Oropouche defenders were struggling to clear their lines and it came as no surprise that a defensive mistake would result in the opening goal. A poor goal kick from North Oropouche goalkeeper gifted Spartan the ball in opposition territory and Ramlochan was fed the ball.
The diminutive player skipped past two defenders before slotting the ball past the onrushing goalie to give his team the lead. Despite creating several other chances and even hitting the woodwork, Spartan could not extend the lead with North Oropouche giving them little to worry about anyway.
In other results recently, Blu Magic moved joint top of the standings with a 2-0 win over Gremio. Goals from Kevin James and Andel George proved the difference.
Take That and Cool It shook off some poor results of late with a 2-0 victory over Cosmos All-stars thanks to a double from the Andell Allsop who leads the Golden Boot award with 15 goals.
Fleming stayed in the hunt for the knockout rounds too with a 2-0 win over North Oropouche while Coca All-stars benefitted from a default win against the same opponents.
Also, Dream Team and Gremio drew 0-0 while Manzan and Boys Town were also goalless.
Action continued yesterday with Dream Team vs Fleming while Manzan United meet Take That and Cool It today at 3.45pm.
On Saturday, it’s Santos vs Spartan (1.45pm) and Quash Trace vs G Madrid (3.45pm). On Sunday, Xpress Overcome tackle Take That and Cool It at 3.45pm.
Teams are reminded by organisers to be on time or risk losing by default.