The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force took advantage of a slow weekend of activity to move into first position in the Digicel Pro League yesterday evening with a 3-2 win over T&TEC FC at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain.
Makeshift striker Michael Edwards, who is deputising for absent national forwards Richard Roy and Devorn Jorsling, opened the scoring in the 40th minute and Josimar Belgrave notched a double on either side of the halftime break to give Defence Force a seemingly comfortable 3-0 lead.
Belgrave’s pair put the versatile attacking midfielder on a League high five items this season.
However, the “Electricity Boys” did provide some late flutters as Sylvester Teesdale pulled a goal back in the 81st minute and striker Bevon Bass got his fourth of the season in the last minute of regulation time.
The Pro League transfer window reopens tomorrow but Teesdale was allowed an early move to re-join T&TEC as a free agent after his zonal employers released him.
In the only other affair this weekend, DIRECTV W Connection dropped two points against Police with a 1-1 draw at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella on Friday night.
Former “Soca Warrior” Trent Noel put Police ahead with a deflected free kick in the 25th minute while Jerrel Britto replied five minutes later for the “Savonetta Boys”.
Connection is yet to lose a league game this season but trail leaders, Defence Force, by four points after three drawn fixtures. Connection does enjoy a game in hand, though.
Neal & Massy Caledonia AIA successfully applied to have its match against St Ann’s Rangers postponed as the “Eastern Stallions” have five players involved in the 2012 Caribbean Cup tournament with Trinidad and Tobago. Caledonia is three points adrift of Defence Force but has a game in hand and a superior goal difference.
Central FC, which is fifth from eight Pro League outfits, also put off its match against fourth placed North East Stars due to a late venue change.
Pro League action resumes with all eight teams in action next Friday and Saturday.
Digicel Pro League
(Fri Dec 14)
W Connection 1 (Jerrel Britto 30), Police 1 (Trent Noel 25) at Marabella
(Sat Dec 15)
Defence Force 3 (Michael Edwards 40, Josimar Belgrave 42, 53), T&TEC 2 (Sylvester Teesdale 81, Bevon Bass 90) at Hasely Crawford
[standings league_id=1 template=extend logo=true]