W Connection and Police FC have set up an all-Pro League final of the 2017 FA Trophy on December 17 after comfortable semi-final wins yesterday over Tobago’s 1976 FC Phoenix, 3-0, and Morvant Caledonia United, 5-1, respectively, at Ato Boldon Stadium.
Neil Benjamin Jr. put four-time champions Connection ahead in just the fourth minute of the semi-final one against Phoenix before veteran attacker Hughtun Hector (26’) and Suriname forward Dimitri Apai (75’) sent the Tobagonians packing.
Later, Kareem Freitas scored a hat-trick, netting in the 19th, 54th and 84th minutes at the Couva venue, interrupted by the break and a double from teammate Elijah Belgrave (47th & 51st minutes) to as the Lawmen dispatched three-time former champions Morvant Caledonia, who grabbed a consolation item in the 90th minute through Sedale Mc Lean.
It is the first time in more than two decades that three-time winners Police have reached a FA Trophy final -- 1996 being the previous – and will attempt to lift the trophy for the first time since 1994.
Meanwhile Connection, the recently crowned First Citizens Cup winners, are back into the FA final for the first time since 2015 — the last time it was contested — and will look to return the trophy to Savonetta for the first time since doing so at the end of the 2013-14 edition.
Connection will however tend to urgent matters against Morvant Caledonia United from 8pm on Tuesday at the Ato Boldon Stadium in the final game of the 2017 Pro League to cement second place behind new PL champions North East Stars for a return to CONCACAF qualifiers.
Tuesday’s league action will kick off with Defence Force facing Club Sando from 3:30pm at the outside field of the Hasely Crawford Stadium before champions North East Stars sign off against San Juan Jabloteh from 6pm at Arima Velodrome.
Simultaneously, Point Fortin Civic will host St. Ann’s Rangers at Mahaica Oval and three-time former PL champions Central FC will welcome Police FC in the opening match of a double-header at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
Results
W Connection 3 (Neil Benjamin Jr. 4’, Hughtun Hector 26’, Dimitri Apai 75’) vs 1976 FC Phoenix 0, at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Police FC 5 (Kareem Freitas 19’, 54’, 84’, Elijah Belgrave 47’, 51’) vs Morvant Caledonia United 1(Sedale Mc Lean 90’), at Ato Boldon Stadium.
FA Trophy 2017 Final
Sunday 17 December 2017
W Connection vs Police FC