Starworld Strikers upset the ‘Eastern Lions’, coming away 4-3 winners in a penalty shootout in the first match of a double header at the Larry Gomes Stadium on Friday in the First Citizens Cup quarterfinals.
The match went into penalties after the Pro League Leaders were held to a 1-1 draw by ‘underdogs’ Starworld Strikers. Both teams coached by former national goalkeepers displayed attacking football for the entire 90 minutes exciting patrons that came out in their numbers to see their local teams on show.
The ‘Macoya Men’ had the first shot on goal when in the 7th minute Gary Glasgow received a Lyndon Andrews pass before cutting inside of defender Jamal Ayres but goalkeeper Marvin Phillip easily handled his shot.
Joe Public’s Jamaican striker Roen Nelson then registered the first goal when he lashed on to a long ball cleared by his defence beat the Starworld offside trap and punished keeper Phillip in the 16th minute.
The San Fernando Starworld Strikers did most of the attacking in the game and enjoyed more ball possession.
Starworld’s Nigel Hart and Randolph Jerome enjoyed their game with full support of their midfield as they pressed for an equalizer.
The ‘Eastern Lions’ got a scare in the 36th minute, but Seon Power did well to clear a goal bound ball off his line.
New signing and substitute Devon Mitchell was close to doubling Joe Public’s lead in the 40th minute when he dribbled past defenders Stoute and Harper, but he shot wide of the upright.
Both teams showing a lot of purpose but failing to hit the target on many tries and going into the dressing rooms with the score remaining at 1-0 in favor of the ‘Eastern Lions’.
On the resumption Starworld had the first shot coming off a corner, when Jerome lurked at Public’s far post only to shoot off target when he received a flick on by Errol Charles in the 52nd minute.
Captain Marc Borde was also instrumental in the second half when he paired with Nigel Hart and they both continued to out play ‘Mc Commie’s men. The ‘San Fernando Boys’ frustrated players like, Michael Celestine, Abbssi Mc Pherson, Seon Power and Lyndon ‘Chubby’ Andrews who all received yellow cards.
Their pressure would finally pay off—Starworld received a free kick in the 61st minute after Jerome was fouled by Mc Pherson at the edge of the penalty area.
Defender Jamal Ayres stood tall as he blasted the ball into the roof of the net sending fans to their feet and Public’s players’ faces in their hands.
Shortly after the ‘Eastern Lions’ lost their ace striker Roen Nelson to injury and he was substituted in the 64th minute, their miseries were doubled when Jamaican defender Mc Pherson received a second yellow card and was given his marching orders leaving his team down to ten men.
Joe Public had two late shots well saved by keeper Marvin Phillip in the 85th and 88th minutes. It was Arnold Dwarika who missed out first when he failed to beat Phillip after receiving a long clearance, only to beat the keeper and his low shot was wrapped up. Then Glasgow had a fierce shot from outside the penalty area stopped with a diving block by Phillip.
It was referee Hospidales final whistle that ended the match at 1-1 and sending the players to the penalty spot.
In the penalty shootout—joe public strikers gary Glasgow and wolry wolfe both struck the post with their spot kicks—sending starworld celebrating a 4-3 victory.
Penalty kicks - JOE PUBLIC STARWORLD STRIKERS
Devon Caseman Andre Charles
Arnold Dwarika Errol Charles
Seon Power Nigel Hart
X Gary Glasgow Lindsie Sherwood
X Wolry Wolfe
Starworld Strikers would now face the Sangre Grande team, North East Stars next Friday in the semifinals of the First Citizens Cup.
Teams
Joe Public
Jacomeno Barett (g.k.), Devon Caseman, Dale Saunders (capt.), Arnold Dwarika, Lyndon Andrews, Michael-lee Celestine (82nd Wolry Wolfe), Gary Glasgow, Jason Springer (10th Devon Mitchell), Roen Nelson (64th Terrance Mc Allister), Abbssi Mc Pherson, Wolry Wolfe, Seon Power.
Coach – Michael Mc Commie
Starworld Strikers
Marvin Phillip (g.k.), Marc Borde (capt.), Jamal Ayres, Andre Charles, Jason Charles, Errol Charles, Marlon Stoute, Ghymo Harper (89th Lindsie Sherwood), Nigel Hart, Dexter Franklyn, Randolph Jerome.
Coach – Michael Maurice
Referee – Gregory Hospedales
JOE PUBLIC v STARWORLD STRIKERS
1 GOALS 1
4 YELLOW CARDS 1
1 RED CARDS 0
4 SHOTS ON TARGET 2
16 FOULS 19
2 CORNERS 5
5 OFFSIDES 3
3 PENALTIES 4