Another intriguing doubleheader will start the ninth round in the GFF Stag Beer Elite League when leaders Slingerz FC tackles fourth-placed Guyana Defence Force and second-positioned Fruta Conquerors confronts seventh-placed Buxton United today at the GFC Ground, Bourda.
The opening affair at 18:30 hrs will see Fruta Conquerors taking on Buxton United. The feature affair at 20.30 hrs makes for an intriguing matchup when the undefeated Slingerz FC stake their record against the vastly improved Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
A 7-1 result in favour of Slingerz during the previous meeting coupled with their imperious form will promote them to the favourite status. The West Demerara unit are a daunting prospect for any foe due to their superior numbers on either side of the ball.
Offensively, they lead the event with 22 conversions compliments of a star-studded roster inclusive of Vurlon Mills, Julian Wade, Tichard Joseph, Devon Millington and Trayon Bobb.
On the defensive end, the numbers prove to be even more daunting as they have conceded only three times, a byproduct of a formidable backline featuring Kester Jacobs, Quincy Adams and Les Charles Critchlow.
For GDF, the aim will be revenge for their dismal performance in the prior meeting. In attack, the army unit is fourth on the chart with 13 conversions led by a forward line of Olvis Mitchell, Delwyn Fraser, Alden Lawrence, Jeffrey Perreira and Delroy Fraser.
Defensively, the army unit has conceded an unexpected 12 times, seven of which came in the earlier contest with Slingerz. Meanwhile, the opening affair at 6.30 will be a clash of contrasting situations when Fruta Conquerors oppose Buxton United.
The high-flying Tucville unit are in an ominous mood following their 3-1 win over fierce rival Alpha United and will hope to secure a positive result in their pursuit of the league leader.
From the attacking perspective, Fruta Conquerors have developed into a team that should not be overlooked, recording 20 goals thus far which is good for second place on the charts.
The likes of Jahaal Greaves, Hubert Pedro, Eon Alleyne, Jermin Junior, Jamal Codrington, Dennis Edwards and Donald McKenzie have provided the scoring threat for the Tucville outfit.
With regards to the rearguard numbers, Fruta Conquerors are third from the top with nine goals surrendered. Another dogged showing will be needed from the personnel of Captain Trevon Lythcott, Rafael Edwards, Adrian Adonis, Derrick Carter, Reshawn Sandiford, Delon Williams, Travis Martin, Vagner Santos and Dwayne Lindie.
On the other hand, Buxton United will attempt to get their campaign back on the right track following a loss in their previous outing.
While they are not blessed with the household names of their opponent, the youthful East Coast of Demerara unit possess quality players on both ends that can aid in halting their recent fortunes.
Denver Dennis, Clive Andries and Delon Wright are the primary threats going forward for an offence that has only recorded five goals. This is the joint worst record presently.
Although Inceford Charles and Kevin Dundas have been pillars of strength in the heart of the defence, the overall numbers need improving as they sit joint fourth with 12 goals shipped in.
The games were originally set for the Tucville ground but were shifted to the GFC.
Winner of the League Finale round will pocket $4,000,000 while the second, third and fourth place teams will collect $2,000,000, $1,000,000 and $500,000 respectively. Similarly, the points leader prior to the knockout stage will pocket an additional $1,000,000.
The season champion will then be crowned when the winner of the League Genesis and League Finale respectively face off in a single matchup. That winner will then earn an automatic berth at the CFU level.
If the winner of the League Genesis and League Finale rounds are the same team, they will earn the automatic CFU spot, with the second berth going to the team with the most accumulated points in both rounds non-inclusive of the eventual season champion.
Current Points Standings
Team GP W L D GF GA GD Pts
Slingerz 8 8 0 0 22 3 +19 24
Fruta Conquerors 8 6 1 1 20 9 +11 19
Alpha United 8 4 2 2 18 8 +10 14
GDF 8 4 2 2 13 12 +1 14
Pele 8 2 5 1 5 12 -7 7
Monedderlust 8 1 4 3 5 16 -11 6
Buxton United 8 1 5 2 5 12 -7 5
GFC 8 0 7 1 6 22 -16 1
