A double strike by National striker Anthony “Awo” Abrams and a third goal from Andrew Murray Jr. propelled Alpha “The Hammer” United into the semi-finals of the Banks Premium Beer Cup 16-team knockout football competition in Thursday’s lone game at the Tucville Playfield.
The semi-finals will be played this evening at the same venue with the first match set to start at 18:00 h.
Alpha United, the 2007 Georgetown League champions, scored a 3-0 win over Uprising Football Club in a match dominated by the United side.
Uprising, who were trailing 2-0 in their aborted quarter-final game against Alpha on Wednesday evening, were looking for a much better performance and although they had the experience of `Sir’ Anthony Stanton, the former national footballer, they hardly looked threatening.
Abrams scored the game’s first goal in the 20th minute of play as Alpha United’s forward line launched a fierce attack early in the half.
He found the back of the net once again in the 40th minute for his double to give his team a comfortable lead.
Andre Murray Jr. then netted in the 60th minute to ensure that his team secure, a place in the semi-finals and they will now square off with Sunburst Camptown this evening in one of the two semi-finals.
Camptown secured a semi-final spot following the suspension of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) by the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) after last Tuesday’s incident in which a spectator alleged to be a supporter of the GDF and banned by the GFA was seen at the ground and refused to leave the venue when asked to do so.
The GDF side has since responded calling the move by the GFA unjustified but officials of the GFA told Stabroek Sport that the decision stands and the semi-finals will go ahead according to place this evening.
The other semi-final will feature Santos coming up against Pele in what is expected to be a closely fought contest.
The final and third place playoff will take place next Wednesday at Tucville starting at 18:00 h.
The tournament is sponsored by local beverage giants Banks DIH Ltd. and organized by the GFA.
At stake in the competition is a first prize of $250,000bwith the runner-up team securing $125,000, the third-placed side will take home $75,000 while fourth place will receive $50,000.
