League leaders and top seed T&TEC will be aiming to reach the final of the bmobile National Super League Knock-out tournament for the second straight time, when they tackle St Francois Nationals in one of today’s semifinals at the Palo Seco Velodrome from 4 pm.
T&TEC, the 2009 runners-up have been in ripping form this season, playing unbeaten in the first round of the league, and now have their sights set on the knock-out title. The team, however, will not be handed the win on a platter, as the Nationals which got the better of 1976 Phoenix 4-3 on penalty kicks, will also be eying a chance to reach the title match.
In the other semifinal, former champion bmobile Joe Public will face Valtrin at the Marvin Lee Stadium from 3.30 pm, after the match which was initially scheduled for the NUGFW Ground in Valsayn, had to be switched as the playing field was ruled unsuitable for competition.
Public which won the tournament in 2008, will be fancying its chances of reaching the final, but it will not be an easy task as the Valsayn team which is in its debut season, has suddenly come alive in the knock-out phase after a horrid first round of the league.
Valtrin was responsible for sending home Stokely Vale 4-2 on penalty kicks in round one, before mopping up WASA, the number two seed, 2-0 in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. The Valsayn team will no doubt be on a high, and a keenly contested battle is expected as both teams fight for a spot in the final set for next Sunday. Meanwhile, the four losing quarterfinalist will play for the 5th and 6th places, as well as the last two FA Cup spots.
Fixtures
Today’s Semifinal
T&TEC vs St Francois Nationals, Palo Seco Velodrome, 4 pm
bmobile Joe Public vs Valtrin Marvin Lee Stadium, 3.30 pm
Knock-out play-off for FA 5th & 6th teams
Defence Force vs 1976 Phoenix, Youth Camp, Chaguaramas, 3.30 pm
WASA vs QPCC, Larry Gomes Stadium, 4 pm
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