– Western Tigers eliminate Linden’s last hope Topp XX
Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United and BK International Western Tigers booked the last two semi-final spots in the 20th Anniversary Kashif and Shanghai Tournament after defeating their opponents in the quarter-final round on Saturday night.
The Boxing Day action saw Alpha hammering Fruta Conquerors at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground 4 – 0 while in Linden, Western Tigers defeated homesters, Bakewell Top XX 2 – 1 at the Mackenzie Sports Complex
Ground.
Alpha will now meet the 2008-2009 runners up, Sunburst Camptown while Western Tigers face defending champions Pele Football Club in the semi-final round tonight at the Providence National Stadium. (Seeback page story)
A packed Mackenzie Sports Complex witnessed the final Linden team exiting the tournament squashing chances of a community team reclaiming the crown.
The nail-biting encounter saw Tigers in command, exhibiting good ball control and building good plays throughout the game.
Top XX’s possession of the ball saw them executing a few good runs that were cut short by the defence.
Top XX, though, looked weak in defence and this was evident from the numerous times the goal-keeper was under fire throughout the 90 minutes of play.
The “Tigers” kept attacking and were rewarded when they drew first blood in the 40th minute compliments of a Phillip Rowley strike.
Three minutes in the second half Top XX gave their supporters something to be ecstatic about when Collie ‘the Hitman’ Hercules clinically put one past the “Tigers” custodian after he received a good ball from midfield and was alone on the right flank.
Three minutes later, Western Tigers regained the lead after Top XX’s right back made a weak pass to the `keeper while being marked by Devon Millington who intercepted the ball before the ’keeper could scamper and reach it.
Millington made no mistake, bending the ball from the left flank into the unmarked goal to account for Western Tigers’ second goal.
Five-time champions, Top XX, had two sure opportunities to equalize but on both occasions Kayode McKinnon lost his footing near the goal and allowed the defenders to clear the ball.
After that, Top XX found it tougher to get the ball past the defenders while Western Tigers were still getting good runs and taking numerous shots on goal when the regulation-time whistle sounded.
