By Rawle Toney
Sunburst Camptown defeated Eagles United 3-0 and BK International Western Tigers overcame Blue Berry Hill United by the same margin when the Kashif and Shanghai football tournament continued at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground on Friday.
Playing in the opening game of the double header, Sunburst Camptown, through goals from national striker Nigel “Powers” Codrington (70’ and 81’) and Marvin Joseph (59’) were made to work hard before overcoming a determined Eagles United.
The game started with the Linden team having more possession and their forwards, Matthew “Assassin” Pollard and Clive Vickery, attacking at every chance.
Camptown’s Richie Richards was flawless all night between the uprights pulling down several stops when it mattered most.
The first half ended 0-0 but in the second half, the Cambleville team showed their mettle.
They started to pass the ball around very well and with Codrington in superb form, the rest was history.
The national striker picked up the ball from the midfield area, dribbled the few defenders in his way then unselfishly set up Marvin Joseph who slotted home the opening goal.
Codrington netted his first goal after the Eagles goalkeeper and a defender collided in front of the goal and the lurking striker simply tapped the ball in.
He would complete his double with what is to date the most spectacular goal of the tournament.
Collecting a pass from the left side the striker took it on his chest at the top of the 18-yard box and sent a left-foot volley rocketing to goal and there was nothing the ‘keeper could do but to stand by and watch the ball hit the back of the net.
With the win, Sunburst Camptown will play on Boxing Day (December 26) at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground against the Fruta conquerors in the clash of the “Juices.”
In the second game of the evening, Western Tigers made light work of Blue Berry Hill United with Devon Millington (41’), Phillip Rowley (71’) and Stephen Hope (75’) scoring for the West Ruimveldt team.
Millington, known for his hunger for goals, was his normal self hunting every ball that came forward and his persistence would pay off just before the end of the first half, scoring a goal that was not to the liking of the Blue Berry Hill fans.
The striker collected the ball just at the top of the 18-yard box with a defender on his heels.
However, during the ensuing tussle, Millington used his size to shield the ball and the defender fell to the ground forcing the goalkeeper to advance.
Millington simply slipped the ball around the ‘keeper for an easy goal.
The city team continued to play decent football as compared to the Linden side who were way off target on most of attempts at goal giving the Tigers goal-keeper Peter Miggins not much to do.
Tigers will now face the winner of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF)/Buxton clash at the National Stadium on Christmas Day (December 25).
