Buxton United thrilled their boisterous home town crowd by beating heavily favoured Western Tigers to win a spot in the semi-finals of the 23rd annual Kashif and Shanghai Football Tournament.
In front of the largest crowd of the tourneyso far at the Buxton Community Centre ground, the East Coast side did not disappoint the 3000 or so spectators, pulling off the upset of the tournament by beating the stunned 2009/2010 champions one-nil to move one step closer to the $4M first prize.
A goal in the 87th minute which was awarded to Michael Phyll after it deflected off of an opposing player, put paid to one of the tournament’s favourites and booked Buxton United’s date with the star studded tournament favourites, Alpha United for a chance to play in the final on January 1. After Western Tigers demolished Grove Hi-Tech, seven-nil last Friday night with national forward Devon Millington bagging five goals, a victory over the lesser celebrated Buxton United was envisioned. However, the underdogs did not get the memo and delivered a belated Christmas present to their fans in the highly entertaining sea-saw affair.
Meanwhile, Amelia’s Ward United held their nerves to book their place in the semi- final with Pele, after edging Den Amstel nine-eight in an epic penalty shoot-out.
Both teams were knotted at nil-all after regulation time and two periods of extra time in the hard fought encounter but the marksmen from Linden showed their accuracy from the penalty area and propelled their side into the semi-finals.
In addition, lucky ticket holders won cell phones, a motorcycle, food hampers and other prizes.
The two semi-final games are scheduled to kick off tonight at the Georgetown Football Club ground beginning 6.30pm.
