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DIRECTV W Connection Alvin Jones kept his team in the driver’s seat tonight with a late leveller as the “Savonetta Boys” remained on course to snatch the 2013/14 Digicel Pro League crown and the one million dollar first prize. But Defence Force will not relinquish its crown without a fight.
Jones was on target once more against Defence Force.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Twice, the army/coast guard outfit led tonight but, on each occasion, Connection found a response as the match ended 2-2 at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.
The two teams meet again on Tuesday and, if Connection avoids defeat, coach Stuart Charles-Fevrier will lead his troops to the title once, as expected, they see off Caledonia AIA on the last game of the season.
Midfielder Jerwyn Balthazar put the “Teteron Boys” ahead with a stunning half volley in the 20th minute off a headed clearance from Connection left back Kurt Frederick. But Connection equalised, nine minutes later, with a diving header from Stefano Rijssel after a Jerrel Britto effort hit the bar.
Substitute Devorn Jorsling gave the defending champions the advantage again in the 79th minute with an accurate shot on the turn from inside the penalty area. But, two minutes later, Connection again clawed its way back to level terms thanks to Jones’ rifle into the roof of the net following a left side cross from a teammate.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Connection, who played much of the second half with 10 players after the dismissal of midfielder Christian Viveros, should win the League with a similar result on Tuesday.
(See Wired868 tomorrow for a full report and updated photographs)
(Teams)
Defence Force (4-2-3-1): 1.Kevin Graham (GK); 14.Cory Rivers (captain), 3.Keston Williams, 6.Rodell Elcock, 21.Aklie Edwards (23.Kerry Joseph 53); 4.Dave Long, (18.Sean Narcis 89), 8.Curtis Gonzales (9.Devorn Jorsling 60); 30.Akeem Roach, 15.Jerwyn Balthazar, 17.Ross Russell Jr; 10.Josimar Belgrave,
Unused substitutes: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK), 6.Devin Jordan, 7.Balondemu Julius, 13.Marvin Jones.
Coach: Ross Russell
W Connection (4-2-1-3): 18.Julani Archibald (GK); 39.Alvin Jones, 4.Daneil Cyrus, 15.Mekeil Williams, 2.Kurt Frederick; 3.Gerard Williams (captain), 25.Christian Viveros; 10.Joevin Jones; 12.Jerrel Britto (7.Silvio Spann 56), 14.Hashim Arcia (65.Neil Benjamin Jr 77), 20.Stefano Rijssel (17.Jamal Clarence 85).
Unused substitutes: 22.Aquelius Sylvester (GK), 13.Devaughn Elliot, 19.Joel Russell, 40.Jomal Williams.
Coach: Stuart Charles-Fevrier
Referee: Neal Brizan
Digicel Pro League
(Fri May 2)
Defence Force 2 (Jerwyn Balthazar 20, Devorn Jorsling 79), W Connection 2 (Stefano Rijssel 29, Alvin Jones 81) at Couva
[standings league_id=2 template=extend logo=true]
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Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
