Uitvlugt Warriors and Pouderoyen FC punched their ticket to the next round of the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) 2nd Annual Josiah Memorial Christmas Football Championship, securing contrasting opening night wins over Eagles and Bagotville on Friday at the Dem Amstel ground.
Pouderoyen overcame the youthful Eagles outfit by a 3-1 score line on penalty kicks after normal and extra time finished 1-1.
Asked to take first strike from the distance, Eagles started the shoot-out poorly as they were denied by Pouderoyen’s custodian Sherwin Bernard. Pouderoyen quickly capitalized on the mistake with Marvin Frank scoring in their first attempt.
It went from bad to worse for Eagles as Keron Schmidt was denied by the outstanding Bernard in the second round. Unlike their first attempt, Pouderoyen failed to capitalise on Eagles’ failure as Kayode King was denied by the opposing goalkeeper.
Eagles finally got on board as they netted in the third round to draw level at 1-1. However, Pouderoyen restored their lead in the fourth round as Deron Chilcott scored.
Eagles sealed their own fate in the fourth round as they missed once again, allowing Pouderoyen to progress to the next round following a conversion.
Meanwhile, in the opening contest of the night, Uitvlugt Warriors continued their recent resurgence, crushing Bagotville by a 4-0 score line.
Seon Bobb produced a double on either side of half time in the 19th and 49th minute while Daniel Froy and Keion Duke found the back of the net in the 42nd and 69th minute correspondingly.
Action in the tournament will continue today at the same venue with a doubleheader. In the opening fixture, Young Achievers will oppose Stewartville at 18:30hrs while home side Den Amstel will lock horns with Beavers FC from 20:30hrs.
The winner of the tournament will collect $500,000 and the championship trophy while the runners-up will receive $300,000 and a trophy. The third and fourth place finishers will receive $200,000 and $100,000 respectively and the corresponding accolade. The tourney will conclude on December 27th at the same venue.
