Defending champion Monedderlust Football Club will put their title on line against the youthful and hungry Cougars Football Club of New Amsterdam when tonight’s semi-final of the GT Beer Berbice Cup tournament commences at 6pm. Both sides will be without some players due to injuries and work commitment and expectations are extremely high among teams and supporters in the tournament organised and hosted by Starlight Generation in conjunction with Monedderlust FC.
The second annual eight-team competition, which kicked-off on October 4, has so far tallied 21 goals from the four first round games and according to widespread optimism among the coaches fans are in for another goal-fest tonight at Number Five Village on the West Coast of Berbice.
Right full-back Clifton Campbell is out for Monedderlust with a groin injury sustained in the opening game while there are other niggling injuries in the camp. The NA side has lost right back Charles Williams and flank man Ron Wilson due to work and midfielder Roger Crandon is doubtful with an ankle injury.
Captain Travis Henry the solid central defender will once again spearhead the Cup holders with national U-17 captain, Kevin Layne Jr. at left full-back and Erwin Johnson on the opposite side. Delbert Wilson and Arthur Bailey alongside Leon McDonald will parade the middle with a trio of marksmen up front in Delroy Halley, Eon Abel and former national youth player King Archer.
For Cougars the experienced Stefon DeFlorimonte and Adrian Bess will marshal the defense with Reon Emanuel in goal. Tishan Moore and Alvin Reynolds will for the core of the midfield with Sherwin Parris, Conroy Crandon and Albert Anderson in attack.
The all-East Coast affair featuring Victoria Kings and Ann’s Grove in the 2nd semi-final is anticipated to be mouthwatering with bus loads of villagers expected to make the trip to give support on both sides of the pitch. The much accomplished Kings will once again feature a solid mix of experience and youth in their line up with the ever-green, Winston Pompey leading the way. The other players with vast experience are midfielder Aubrey Gibson and defenders Shawn Samuels, Samuel and Dane Johnson. Former national youth player Calvin DeSouza and Devon James will shore up the midfield.
Travis Allen, in goal, will lead Ann’s Grove’s challenge with main the support coming from central defenders Cleveland Adams and Antonio Jackson. In the middle will be Kevon Barry, Gavin Rogers and Anthony Barry and up front it will be Mackston Adams, Jamal Blair and Devon Chance.
