Ma Pau had hoped to take advantage of the inactivity of second-placed W Connection when they met DIRECT TV North East Stars in the second match of a Digicel Pro League double-header, on Saturday night, at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya. But the Casino Boys only managed a 0-0 draw, leaving them fourth on the standings.
In the opening game, St Ann's Rangers conceded an early goal before winning a low-key affair 2-1 over FC SouthEnd. Although behind early, Rangers dominated the match, but struggled to break down their opponents.
Kevin Modeste had the south team ahead as early as the 10th minute, and although Rangers struck the post through Devon Modeste's well-placed header in the first half, they were kept at bay by a combination of timely saves from goalie Sherman Payne and their own lack of finishing.
It was only when striker Josimar Belgrave tucked in a cross in the 70th minute did Rangers pull level at 1-1. And Rangers finally went ahead in the 88th, when Kaashif Thomas netted a low shot from the centre of the penalty box.
There was still some drama to come. Southend almost had a share of the points when Larry Bacchus' volley from inside the penalty area struck the underside of the crossbar and came out in the 90th minute.
The second match produced high-paced football between Ma Pau and North East Stars, but no goals.
Ma Pau almost had a dream start in the fourth minute when Kerry Noray raced onto a through ball. But the ball stuck between his legs, allowing goalie Michael Woods to gather after a few attempts. Stars countered, a shot from distance striking the crossbar two minutes later.
The pattern was set, the action swinging from end to end, and at high velocity.
Later, Ma Pau's Rennie Britto stung Woods' hand with a powerful shot. And the Casino Boys had an even better chance in the 29th minute, Elton John's pace taking him past the central defender before he was taken down by Woods just outside the penalty area.
Stars looked the more likely scorers for much of the second half. Ma Pau coach Michael McComie only brought in regular strike pair Anthony Wolfe and Vincentian Shandel Samuels in the 63rd, but there was still no breakthrough.
Ma Pau's Cyd Gray, one of several veterans on the field, put John's cross over the bar in the 71st minute, and in the 89th, Stars midfielder Gary Glasgow brought a match-saving stop out of Ma Pau keeper Alejandro Figueroa. But, still no goals.
Digicel Pro League action continues from four o'clock this afternoon, with a showdown between Caledonia AIA and Tobago United, at Marvin Lee Stadium.
Full Results.
Results for 09-Jul-10
09:07:10, 6:00pm, Joe Public 2 (Andre Toussaint 7, Trent Noel 45) v Police FC 1 (Kelon Williams 59), Marvin Lee Stadium
09:07:10, 8:00pm, Defence Force 2 (Devon Jorsling 45, Jerwyn Balthazar 61) v San Juan Jabloteh 0, Marvin Lee Stadium
Results for 10-Jul-10
10:07:10, 5:00pm, St Ann’s Rangers 2 (Josimar Belgrave 69, Kaashif Thomas 88) v FC South End 1 (Kevin Modeste 10), Marvin Lee Stadium
10:07:10, 7:00pm, Ma Pau SC 0 v North East Stars 0, Marvin Lee Stadium
10:07:10, W Connection - BYE
Defence Force 2—0 San Juan Jabloteh
Devorn Jorsling 45’ (pen). Jerwyn Balthazar 60’
Defence Force—Kevin Graham, Corey Rivers (capt)(Yellow) (Ronald St. Louis 90th), Keston Williams, Devin Jordan, Devon Jorsling, Richard Roy (Yellow) (Rawle Fletcher 75th), Kevon Carter, Dexter Thornhill (Yellow), Jerwyn Balthazar, Sean Narcis (Kurt Williams 46th), Dexter Pacheco.
Coach—Ross Russell.
San Juan Jabloteh—Cleon John, Marvin Oliver (capt), Karlon Murray, Noel Williams (Cyrano Glen 75th), Elijah Manners, Ataullah Guerra (Y+Y=R), Johan Peltier (Joel Leslie Russell 57th) (Yellow), Kennedy Hinkson (Ronaldo Viana 63rd), Willis Plaza, Jamal Jack, Sheldon Bateau.
Coach—Terry Fenwick.
Joe Public 2—1 Police FC
Andre Toussaint 7’, Trent Noel 45’ ; Kelon Williams 60
Joe Public—Glenroy Samuel, Trent Noel (capt.), Hayden Tinto (Marcus Joseph 53rd), Yu Hoshide (Conrad Smith 73rd), Micah Lewis, Keion Goodridge (Yellow), Jevon Morris, Kareem Young, Carlyle Mitchell, Andre Toussaint (Andell Noray 60th), Makan Hislop.
Coach—Derek King/Ralph Nelson.
Police FC—Emmanuel Nurse, Randy Harris (capt) (Yellow), Kyle Andrews, Akiba Peters, Jason James, Neil Marcano, Kaaron Foster, Todd Ryan (Keston Pierre 53rd), Ricardo Peltier, Kenwin Matthews, Adrian Noel, Kelon Williams (Akeem Marshall 78th).
Coach—Anthony Marshall.