It was sweet revenge for Milerock as they turned the tables on Bakewell Topp XX to emerge winners of the second annual Linden Invitational Football Tournament on Sunday evening at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground.
Topp XX, who defeated Milerock last year to lift the title could not keep up with the pace of the game and fell 0-2 in the final.
The attitude of the Milerock players were befitting champions as they demonstrated team effort and patience compared to the unsteady and selfish play by the youthful Topp XX squad.
Milerock were always in attacking mode from the sound of the first burst from Referee Stanley Lancaster’s whistle and they were rewarded in the 24th minute through Jermaine McBean.
Afterwards, Topp XX custodian Carlos Brown had a busy night between the uprights as Milerock forwards led by McBean, Steve Brewley and Kevin Layne went on the attack.
Brewley who was later named the MVP of the finals certainly showed why his reward was fitting when he connected in the 38th minute to give his side a 2-0 lead to end the first half. Topp XX’s inexperience became visible when they began to press forward already down two but their strikers kept holding the ball too long. Their coach too, Else Noel, also erred when he waited a bit too long to put fresh legs upfront and change his style of play on the field from being defensive to more attacking. They seemed to try everything possible to at least get a consolation goal but were always kept at bay by the Milerock defence.
With the win, Milerock took home the $150,000 first prize while Topp XX had to settle for $75,000.
Kevin Layne who netted a total of four goals in the tournament walked away with the most goalscorer award while Marlon Rose was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
There was no third place play off, but the under-17 east versus west clash which was played saw the two sides ending in a goalless draw.
The event was sponsored by the Netrockers and Amelia’s Ward Football Club.
