2008 Pro League table proppers, Tobago United, sent Defence Force crashing out of the Toyota Classic Cup yesterday evening with a 2-1 win at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar.
Defence Force now have only the T&TFF FA Trophy to contest in a disappointing season for the army/ coast guard combination.
Tobago United travelled with just 14 players for yesterday's contest while one substitute, Durwin Ross, came on with a jersey so faded that the number was undistinguishable. It is not the sort of approach that comes to mind when one thinks about professionalism.
But Tobago technical director Peter Granville can only be lauded for spotting and hanging on to one of the league's most entertaining and dangerous attackers in Hercules.
Still, it was Jorsling who made the first mark on the match.
In the 38th minute, Jorsling controlled and spun in one motion between Tobago central defenders Dwayne Jack and Jamal Jack and a desperate lunge by the latter player gave the match official one of his easiest penalty decisions. Jorsling calmly rolled the spot kick home to his right to put the regiment ahead.
But, seconds before the interval, Tobago pulled level with a clever free kick from Hercules' compatriot, Kayode McKinnon who beat Defence Force custodian Kevin Graham at the post he was obliged to protect.
Defence Force continued to enjoy better possession in the second half but Jorsling wasted their best two chances.
And, when a long ball sprung Hercules past a napping Defence Force backline, their worst fear was realised.
The diminutive attacker allowed the ball to bounce twice before, as delicately as if brushing his lover's hair, he lifted the sphere over the custodian and into an unprotected net.
He would have had a double too if teammate Carey Harris, yet another Guyanese international, had picked him out in stoppage time. But the damage was already done.
Tobago might not be back in the top flight next year if the Pro League relegates their worst team. But they might still end the season with some happy memories.
Tobago United upset Army in Toyota clash.
T&T Newsday Reports.
Tobago United created the first major upset in the 2008 Toyota Classic as they earned a come-from-behind 2-1 win over the Defence Force as the first round of the 16-team competition got underway. In all, eight matches were on yesterday’s agenda with four pairs of double-headers.
Discarded national striker Devon Jorsling converted a 37th-minute penalty to put Defence Force ahead at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar before a pair of Guyanese veterans inflicted more misery on the Army-Coast Guard combination, whose 2008 season have been inconsistent at best.
Midfielder Kayode McKinnon equalised on the stroke of half-time while forward Collie Hercules netted the winner in the 87th.
Double Pro League champs CLICO San Juan Jabloteh booked a spot in the last eight with a 2-0 triumph over Angostura 1976 FC Phoenix at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, with items from their reserve team striker Beville Joseph (16th) and impressive teenaged midfielder Elijah Manners (32nd minute penalty).
On the topic of penalties, North East Stars needed kicks from the penalty mark to eliminate Joe Public’s Super League squad 4-2 at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Tunapuna.
After both teams ended regulation time deadlocked at goal-less, Sean Cooper, Carlos Gonzales, Leslie “Tiger” Fitzpatrick and Marc Leslie netted for North East.
Joe Public, who kicked first, got items from ex-Trinidad and Tobago defender Anthony Noreiga and Michael Waldron, with ex-TT captain and midfielder Travis Mulraine (who shot wide to the keeper’s left) and Jameel Lewis (who sent his kick overbar) missing the team’s second and third efforts respectively. At the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, W Connection earned a hard fought 4-3 win over Economy Strikers.
St Kitts/Nevis captain George Isaac (sixth and 46th minutes), Colombian forward Oscar Torijano (56th) and Ishmael Daniel (58th) were the goal-getters for Connection while Economy got strikes from Shervin Charles (20th and 83rd minute penalties) and Gary Jones (32nd).
Four matches, the other matches at the respective double-headers, were being contested up to press time last night.
Reigning champs Joe Public (Pro League) were opposing ALCOA Carenage United at the Marvin Lee Stadium while St Ann’s Rangers were facing the Trinidad and Tobago Under-20 team at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
United Petrotrin were battling Ma Pau at the Ato Boldon Stadium and Caledonia AIA were due to meet WASA at the Larry Gomes Stadium.