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Devon Jorsling (In Yellow).Defence Force kept their hopes of a Lucozade Big Six berth alive yesterday with a dramatic 2-1 win over Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar.
Trinidad and Tobago striker Devon Jorsling saluted the handful of army supporters at the final whistle but it was again his offensive abilities that engineered the military's triumph. The Defence Force are eighth from ten T&T Pro League clubs but can still storm the Big Six competition in the final two regular season matches.

Much of the credit, if they get there, would go to Jorsling who leads all scorers in the domestic competition with 19 goals-exactly half of Defence Force's overall tally this year.

In his present form, match officials might as well write his name on their score sheet before kick off and pencil in the time of his item later.

Yesterday, the left footed marksman converted his 13th goal from his last 12 outings, which includes two strikes in as many appearances for the national team in the Digicel Caribbean Cup qualifying series.

The winner yesterday would be credited to Caledonia goalkeeper Michael Woods who, harassed by Defence Force full back Michael Edwards, punched Jorsling's inswinging corner into his own net. But, slaves to habit, the Defence Force squad congratulated Jorsling for it anyway.

Caledonia, who are third, seemed likely to stretch their unbeaten run against Defence Force to four Pro League games this season but lacked the killer blow.

Former national player Conrod Smith put Caledonia ahead just after the half hour mark as he neatly headed home from an accurate Walter Moore cross. The combination almost reaped dividends again before the interval but, on that occasion, Smith failed to get on the end of Moore's dangerous, low cross while Akim Armstrong and Moore went close without adding to their advantage.

The servicemen began to assert themselves in the second half as Caledonia coach Jerry Moe tried to defend their lead. Experienced central defender Charles Pollard was introduced off the bench while Smith was replaced by the mobile but less prolific Abdullah Phillips.

Defence Force coach Kerry Jamerson may have thought it was not his day when speedy winger Kevon Carter rapped an effort off the foot of the post but, 11 minutes from time, Defence Force pulled level as Jorsling slid the ball home after a surging run from Carter.

Moore almost restored Caledonia's lead in the 83rd minute but for a fine Kevin Graham save. But Defence Force were in the ascendency by then and, a minute into stoppage time, it took a good double save from Woods to deny Jorsling.

Woods' fortune deserted him on the resulting corner kick although the former Arima Senior Comprehensive goalkeeper seemed to have a point when he complained about being impeded by Edwards. The Defence Force faithful did not mind one bit.