All they do is win: Central hold off M/Caledonia in dour contest while Connection crush Civic

All Central FC do is win. It is a fact that is open to multiple interpretations. Last night, the “Couva Sharks” maintained their 100 percent record in the truncated 2016/17 Pro League season with a 2-1 win over Morvant Caledonia United at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

Style? Swagger? That’s for other teams. Central, who are three points clear atop the standings, played as little football as possible last night. And, apart from a handful of dangerous Kareem “Tiny” Joseph free kicks, the Sharks were rarely troubled by the plucky “Eastern Stallions”, who slipped two places to seventh.

Photo: Central FC forward Jason Marcano (centre) is dragged to the ground by his teammates after his opening goal against North East Stars at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella on 8 May 2016. (Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Photo: Central FC forward Jason Marcano (centre) is dragged to the ground by his teammates after his opening goal against North East Stars at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium in Marabella on 8 May 2016.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

Central’s pragmatic approach made for an interesting comparison with their Couva rivals, W Connection, who routed Point Fortin Civic 7-0 in the opening game of the Ato Boldon Stadium double header.

The result saw Connection storm three places up the 10-team table to third place with seven points from four matches. Point Fortin, in contrast, slumped to the foot of the table and, if their effort last night was any guide, they are likely to stay there.


Connection tore Civic apart through different approaches down either flank. Full back Kurt Frederick pushed high up the left side and got far too much time and space to send delicious sliding balls for Dimitrie Apai and Neil Benjamin to chase.

At the other end, former Siparia Stars attacker Daniel Diaz made darting runs from inside to out and back again that totally undid the mental health of Civic left back Ansil Wells, who was sent off for striking an opponent in the 40th minute. Wells was so mesmerised by Diaz that he hit Connection right back Ronell Paul instead.

Connection had just two goals at that point—one apiece from Apai and Benjamin. But did they ever exploit that numerical superiority thereafter.

Photo: W Connection flanker Kurt Frederick (centre) finds space to operate between three Club Sando opponents during Pro League action at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on 14 October 2016. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: W Connection flanker Kurt Frederick (centre) finds space to operate between three Club Sando opponents during Pro League action at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva on 14 October 2016.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Civic, who didn’t press, read long passes or work out that Connection were overloading their right flank, were ripe for the taking. And Benjamin had a hattrick by the hour mark while Toussaint and Diaz got one each and Gerard Williams chipped in with a precise penalty kick.

The final scoreline surely stung Civic coach Dick Furlonge. But probably not as much as the wastefulness in possession of his most experienced player, Sylvester Teesdale, and the resignation in the body language of his best player, Akeem Redhead.

Would Morvant Caledonia be any better? The Eastern Stallions put in an abject performance last week in a 4-2 home defeat to San Juan Jabloteh and, with attacker Jair “Sam” Edwards already missed for disciplinary reasons, coach Rajesh Latchoo’s star striker, Kordell Samuel, also missed the bus. Literally.

“He can’t be on the team and want to come for 7pm when he knows he has to be there for 6pm,” Latchoo told Wired868.

Regardless, the Stallions started well and could have gone ahead in the eighth minute but for a brilliant save by Central custodian Jan-Michael Williams, who stuck out a right arm to deny Seon Thomas’ header off a Jameel “Shooter” Neptune corner kick.


Neptune made much of the early running for Caledonia, as he exposed the frailty of Central stopper Andre Ettienne and right back Keston George when asked to defend one on one.

Photo: Morvant Caledonia full back Jameel Neptune (centre) is a handful for Central FC defenders Elton John (left) and Kaydion Gabriel in the 2015 Digicel Pro Bowl final. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Morvant Caledonia full back Jameel Neptune (centre) is a handful for Central FC defenders Elton John (left) and Kaydion Gabriel in the 2015 Digicel Pro Bowl final.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Just as crucial to Morvant Caledonia’s early foothold on the game was their braveness in possession and ability to pass the ball through opposing midfield territory, led by 2006 World Cup veteran Densill Theobald’s finest display so far this season.

Central’s approach was more reminiscent of Bob Marley’s lyrics in The Heathen: “He who fight and run away; live to fight another day…”

“I know Caledonia will always be a tough opposition,” said Central coach Dale Saunders. “They organise differently and they pass the ball a lot, so we were prepared for that…

“If you look at their defensive line, they had a lot of numbers in their midfield zone. So what we tried to do was eradicate that [by going long] and get their defenders to turn and chase the ball.”

And so, despite having midfield technicians like Soca Warriors playmaker Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings and the two-time World Youth Cup duo of Leston Paul and Sean De Silva, Central preferred to let Ettienne hoof balls into the channels for Marcus Joseph and Jason Marcano to chase, rather than risk being stripped in a midfield battle.

Photo: Central FC coach Dale Saunders (right) signals to his squad while San Juan Jabloteh coach Keith Jeffrey looks on during 2015/16 Pro League action at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva. (Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)
Photo: Central FC coach Dale Saunders (right) signals to his squad while San Juan Jabloteh coach Keith Jeffrey looks on during 2015/16 Pro League action at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.
(Courtesy Chevaughn Christopher/Wired868)

Perhaps, as Latchoo conceded, Central might have been encouraged by Jabloteh’s success against Caledonia with the long ball last weekend. But it was not easy on the eye.

“We wanted the three points and we got that,” said Saunders.

It is hard to argue with that, particularly at a club with a history of ruthlessness where coaches and players are concerned.

For the first 15 minutes, Central’s route one approach looked embarrassingly outmoded and was easily mopped up by the opposing defence. But, bit by bit, the cracks began to emerge, as the Morvant Caledonia defence was sometimes slow to spot the movement of the opposition while goalkeeper Marvin Phillip did not help out by playing a high line.

Joseph got the game’s first clear chance off a hopeful punt in the 17th minute but his chipped attempt was well saved by Phillip. In the end, it was slack defending off a corner kick that provided the breakthrough as Marcano volleyed home unmarked from a Joseph set piece in the 27th minute.

And, 12 minutes later, Central final scored from a long kick, as Joseph pounced to finish with a fierce angled drive into the far corner.

Photo: Central FC forward Marcus Joseph (right) goes airborne to control a pass while Morvant Caledonia United player Antonio Joseph looks on during Pro League on 19 April 2016 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. Central won 3-0. (Courtesy Nicholas Bhajan/Wired868)
Photo: Central FC forward Marcus Joseph (right) goes airborne to control a pass while Morvant Caledonia United player Antonio Joseph looks on during Pro League on 19 April 2016 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Central won 3-0.
(Courtesy Nicholas Bhajan/Wired868)

Latchoo explained that it was a calculated gamble to allow Central the long ball option.

“The plan was we start [defending] at line two [just inside our opponent’s half of the field] and then engage in the press,” said Latchoo. “Our focus was to stop them from playing through the centre of the field and we did. Was I worried about a man making a 60-yard pass? Yes and no.

“The worrying part was our defenders didn’t pick it up a few times. And there was this little pause between the reaction, which would give ‘Nellie’ [Marcano] and Marcano that one yard [of space]…”

Morvant Caledonia did find a response in the 43rd minute with that rare collector’s item that is a Theobald goal. Theobald produced a tidy finish after the Central backline failed to clear from an inviting Neptune cross.

To put that into context, Theobald’s strike yesterday matched his entire output in 2014/15 and was one better than he managed in 2015/16—granted that he left halfway through the season in both cases for professional stints in India.

The Stallions’ early fizz had waned by then though, as they also began to play more direct; but without the players who would thrive from such an approach.

Photo: Morvant Caledonia United captain Akim Armstrong (centre) tries to hold off San Juan Jabloteh defender Aquil Selby (second from left) while Jevon Morris (right) looks on during Pro League action at the Morvant Recreation Ground on 16 October 2016. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: Morvant Caledonia United captain Akim Armstrong (centre) tries to hold off San Juan Jabloteh defender Aquil Selby (second from left) while Jevon Morris (right) looks on during Pro League action at the Morvant Recreation Ground on 16 October 2016.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

In their case, it was, according to Latchoo, a combination of low confidence and heavy legs.

“After [the first Central] goal, [our players] started to play too safe and opted for long diagonal ball because they were not seeing immediate support. So it was more nature than tactics.”

Central’s dour pragmatism and Morvant Caledonia’s lack of fitness and focus to effectively counter, meant for a match that often lacked the technical expertise and creativity of an earlier Pro League generation, when ball handlers like Arnold Dwarika, Kerwin “Hardest” Jemmott, Aurtis Whitley, Gefferson Goulart and Lyndon Andrews roamed local playing fields.

But then Saunders suggested that he would harness the creativity of Cummings and unused substitute Kadeem Corbin when the time is right. For now, Ball Pest is an insurance policy that the Sharks don’t need to activate.

“I am impressed with Keron with how he is closing down the football and getting close to his man [defensively],” said Saunders. “He is doing that a lot. We know he can create magic in a second but we are impressed with his attitude.”

Once more, the Central coach had a point, although, for the neutral, it still looked like using a treasure map for a table cloth.

Photo: Trinidad and Tobago playmaker Keron "Ball Pest" Cummings (centre) tries to find space between the lines against Nicaragua in Port of Spain on 26 October 2015. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Trinidad and Tobago playmaker Keron “Ball Pest” Cummings (centre) tries to find space between the lines against Nicaragua in Port of Spain on 26 October 2015.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

There was a late scare as Williams delayed in clearing the ball and almost lost a leg to an enthusiastic challenge to Morvant Caledonia skipper Akim Armstrong.

Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team head coach Stephen Hart must have gasped for air in the stands. But, after three minutes of medical treatment, Williams was back on his feet.

It might have been the only time in the contest that anybody held their breath.

(Teams)

Central FC (4-1-3-2): 21.Jan-Michael Williams (GK); 5.Keston George (15.Kaydion Gabriel 55), 4.Andre Ettienne, 3.Keion Goodridge, 24.Kevon Villaroel, 6.Leston Paul, 8.Sean De Silva, 11.Darren Mitchell (captain) (19.Nathaniel Garcia 71), 10.Keron Cummings (17.Johan Peltier 86), 7.Jason Marcano, 99.Marcus Joseph,

Unused substitutes: 1.Javon Sample (GK), 16.Kadeem Corbin, 26.Jem Gordon.

Coach: Dale Saunders

Morvant Caledonia United (4-2-3-1): 1.Marvin Phillip (GK); 12.Kareem Joseph, 5.Seon Thomas, 6.Taje Commissiong, 16.Amos Ramsay; 18.Maestro Mensah, 21.Densill Theobald; 23.Lester Joseph (8.Anthony Charles 89), 17.Akim Armstrong (captain), 22.Jameel Neptune; 10.Sheldon Holder (11.Dominic Douglas 81).

Unused substitutes: 30.Stephon Seepersad (GK), 2.Kevin Layne, 13.Jordan Devonish, 14.Keron Bethelmy,

Coach: Rajesh Latchoo

Referee: Keilon Bacchus

Man of the Match: Marcus Joseph (Central FC)

Photo: Central FC attacker Marcus Joseph (right) tries to pull away from W Connection winger Kurt Frederick during 2016/17 Pro League action at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on 4 October 2016. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: Central FC attacker Marcus Joseph (right) tries to pull away from W Connection winger Kurt Frederick during 2016/17 Pro League action at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain on 4 October 2016.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Pro League results

(Friday 21 October)

Club Sando 3 (Keithy Simpson 53, 78, Akeem Humphrey 85), Defence Force 2 (Hashim Arcia 35, Sean Narcis 45) at Ato Boldon Stadium;

St Ann’s Rangers 2 (Dylon King 32, Marvin Lee 90+2), Police FC 0 at Ato Boldon Stadium;

(Sunday 23 October)

San Juan Jabloteh 1 (Jamal Gay 75), Ma Pau Stars 0 at Barataria Recreation Ground;

(Tuesday 24 October)

W Connection 7 (Dimitrie Apai 23, Neil Benjamin 37, 43, 54, Andre Toussaint 61, Gerard Williams 81 pen, Daniel Diaz 88), Point Fortin Civic 0 at Ato Boldon Stadium;

Central FC 2 (Jason Marcano 27, Marcus Joseph 39), Morvant Caledonia United 1 (Densill Theobald 43) at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Photo: San Juan Jabloteh forward Jamal Gay (centre) diverts a corner kick past Ma Pau Stars goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel during Pro League action at the Barataria Recreation on 23 October 2016. Jabloteh won 1-0. (Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Photo: San Juan Jabloteh forward Jamal Gay (centre) diverts a corner kick past Ma Pau Stars goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel during Pro League action at the Barataria Recreation on 23 October 2016.
Jabloteh won 1-0.
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)

Upcoming fixtures

(Friday 28 October)

W Connection vs Defence Force, 6pm, Mahaica Oval;

Central FC vs Ma Pau Stars, 8pm, Mahaica Oval;

(Sunday 30 October)

Club Sando vs Morvant Caledonia United, 4pm, Mahaica Oval;

Point Fortin Civic vs St Ann’s Rangers, 6.30pm, Mahaica Oval;

(Tuesday 1 November)

Police FC vs San Juan Jabloteh, 6pm, Ato Boldon Stadium.

Photo: Central FC goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams makes one of three penalty saves against Don Bosco FC in the 2015 Caribbean Club Championship semifinals. Central won 3-1 on kicks from the penalty mark. (Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Photo: Central FC goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams makes one of three penalty saves against Don Bosco FC in the 2015 Caribbean Club Championship semifinals.
Central won 3-1 on kicks from the penalty mark.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)

Standings (Tabulated as Won-Drawn-Lost-Goals For-Goals Against-Points)

Central FC             4-4-0-0-10-4-12 (-)(-)

S/Juan Jabloteh 4-3-0-1-7-4-9 (-)(+3)

W Connection     4-2-1-1-12-5-7 (+3)(+2)

S/A Rangers         4-2-1-1-5-4-7 (+3)(-3)

Ma Pau Stars       4-2-0-2-6-6-6 (-2)(+4)

Police FC               4-1-2-1-9-7-5 (-2)(-2)

M’vt Caledonia  4-1-1-2-7-8-4 (-2)(-2)

Club Sando          4-1-0-3-5-7-3 (+2)(-1)

Defence Force    4-1-0-3-5-10-3 (-1)(-2)

Point Fortin        4-0-1-3-314-1 (-1)(+1)

More from Wired868
“Talent right down to the 30th player!” T&T U-20 and U-17 teams tipped to shine

Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) technical director Anton Corneal suggested that Soca Warriors fans have reason for optimism based Read more

SSFL 23: North teams cautiously optimistic, acknowledge threats from south

Hutson “Baba” Charles, head coach of Fatima College, doesn’t anticipate an easier going this season as he hopes to retain Read more

“I fought for the red jersey!” Molino reviews time with each T&T coach

“[…] Many times, I didn’t have money to go to training. I used to sell bottles so I could go. Read more

T&T Women U-17s eliminated after 6-0 loss to El Salvador

The Trinidad and Tobago Women’s National Under-17 Team failed to book their place at the 2023 Concacaf Under-17 Championship today, Read more

T&T U-17 Women chase milestone in recycled Capelli kit, TTFA mum on farce

The Trinidad and Tobago Women’s National Under-17 Team will be playing for a spot in the Concacaf Under-17 Championship tomorrow, Read more

Cooper: “We should be competitive in 2025”; T&T U-15s close with 3-0 win over Qatar

The Trinidad and Tobago Boys’ National Under-15 Team closed off their 2023 Concacaf Championship adventure yesterday with a 3-0 whipping Read more

About Lasana Liburd

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.

Check Also

“Talent right down to the 30th player!” T&T U-20 and U-17 teams tipped to shine

Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) technical director Anton Corneal suggested that Soca Warriors fans …

19 comments

  1. Neptune had Ettienne titivaying on more than occasion. Lol.

  2. I held my breath when Neptune blew by Ettienne for that first goal. And Tiny had Jan Michael quite busy between the sticks too.

  3. Dale Saunders is doing an impressive job in my opinion at Central FC

    He keeps getting results locally for them

  4. What do you think of Neil Benjamin? From the little I’ve seen of him, I thought he might have been knocking on the door of the senior team, but it seems as though his progress has stalled a bit. Was he injured for a while?

  5. Think about it Keith. Two central defenders knocking the ball between themselves under no pressure with Leston or De Silva occasionally dropping deep to lollygag with them.
    And boom! 60 yard pass for a forward to chase. ??
    Not the sort of thing that will have fans asking: When is their next game?! ??

  6. Lol. Far from pleasing on the eye. But three points…

  7. ..Win. Win. And then win again. THAT is the purpose of elite coaching and competiton. ANYTHING else is…..

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.