Caledonia, Stars battle for second; Central continues shopping spree

Runaway Digicel Pro League leader DIRECTV W Connection will expect to extend its unbeaten nine match unbeaten streak tonight when the “Savonetta Boys” face table proper, St Ann’s Rangers from 7 pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

Connection romped to a 7-0 win when these teams met on the opening day of the season and has led the League standings ever since.

But there should be a keen battle for the number two spot at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain tonight where second place North East Stars tackles third place Caledonia AIA from 7 pm.

Only four points separate second place Stars from eighth place Point Fortin Civic and it should make for an intriguing few months in the League. The two Pro League finishers advance automatically to the qualifying round of the 2015 CONCACAF Champions League.

Tomorrow, Civic will host fourth place Police FC from 3.30 pm at the Mahaica Oval in Port of Spain.

Central FC is on a bye this round in more ways than once.

The “Couva Sharks” continued its January shopping frenzy this week with the capture of former World Youth Cup captain Leston Paul and present “Soca Warrior” Willis Plaza.

The pair joins Trinidad and Tobago midfield ace Ataullah Guerra and former national defender Yohance Marshall who both agreed terms with Central earlier this month.

Paul, who helped his hometown Guaya United to the top of the Super League and the Toyota Classic semifinals last month, told Wired868 that he felt it was time to move on join the top flight.

“Guaya would always be in my heart but I think this move is one to boost my career,” said the 23-year-old midfielder, who captained Trinidad and Tobago at the 2007 and 2009 World Youth Cups. “I think (Central) has a very good team with a mixture of experience and youth together with a very good coach. So I think that can help in my improvement and growth as a player.”

While Paul is heading for his first spell in the top flight, Plaza is reuniting with Central coach and his former San Juan Jabloteh boss Terry Fenwick. Plaza spent last season in Vietnam with mid-table club Song Lam Nghe.

Defence Force and San Juan Jabloteh both miss this weekend’s fixture list but could return by next week.

Wired868 understands that the Defence Force football management is trying coordinate an early return to action after being pulled from sporting duty last week in an effort to help curb spiralling crime.

 

Pro League fixtures

(Fri January 17)

DIRECTV W Connection vs St Ann’s Rangers, 7 pm, Ato Boldon Stadium;

North East Stars vs Caledonia AIA, 7 pm, Hasely Crawford Stadium;

(Sat January 18)

Point Fortin Civic vs Police FC, 3.30 pm, Mahaica Oval.

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