Darren Alexis scored a goal in each half as Petrotrin Palo Seco spanked Marabella Family Crisis Centre 5-1 to capture the Southern Football Association League Cup final at Palo Seco Velodrome on Thursday.
Petrotrin Palo Seco began the match as heavy favourites to take home the $5,000 title and got the perfect start when Jamal Ayres scored in the ninth minute before Alexis (32nd) and Kervin Mark (35th) netted within three minutes of each other for a 3-1 lead.
Five minutes before the half, Marabella got a life-line when Kurlon Khan pulled a goal back, however ten minutes into the second-half, Willan Garcia got a fourth item for Petrotrin Palo Seco before Alexis completed his double in the 75th to seal victory for his club. Marabella had to settle for the $2,500 runner-up prize.
Petrotrin Palo Seco is also through to the Executive Cup final against the University of T&T which will be contested on December 5 at Skinner Park, from 7pm.
The Petrotrin Palo Seco squad has also secured a spot in the Southern Football Association Petrotrin Super League ‘Big Six’ competition as one of the three qualifiers from the Winston St Clair Group A seven-team series.
With one match left to complete its campaign, Petrotrin Palo Seco has 25 points, one behind current group leader Penal All Stars which has ended its 12-match campaign. Third placed Pt Fortin Civic FC also qualified as it has 25 points with two matches left and cannot be caught by any other club in the group.
In the Roy Jagroopsingh Group B, UTT with to 30 points from 11 matches, and three left to play has gained the lone qualification spot thus far. Marabella, which is second with 25 points, Big Dreams (22 points) and Union United (18) are battling it out for the remaining two spots.