Two time defending champion Grove Hi-Tech and West Demerara unit Den Amstel sealed their berths in the quarterfinals following hard-fought wins, when the Stag Nation Cup resumed on Wednesday at the Grove Community ground.
The home side overcame New Amsterdam (NA) United by a 4-2 score line. Contested under heavy conditions, the hosts grabbed the early lead in the eighth minute, as Marvin Squires stabbed past the advancing goalkeeper inside the center of the six yard area.
The sizeable and partisan crowd were given another reason to celebrate as captain Sherman Doris made it 2-0 in the 25th minute, hammering a low strike from a free-kick 25 yards out, which evaded the wall and the grasp of the goalkeeper, before settling into the back of the net.
However, the Berbicians pulled one back in the 30th minute, with Jermaine Samuels placing his effort past custodian Seon Sampson from inside the penalty box. The home side conceded the equalizing goal on the stroke of halftime, as Leonardo Adams made his presence felt, forcing an error from the custodian with a powerful free-kick, which was deflected into the path of Jamal Butts to slot home.
With the fixture poised for a dramatic end, Doris recorded his second to hand Grove Hi-Tech the lead in the 52nd, curling his effort past the shot-stopper, after latching onto the ball inside the area.
The outcome was eventually settled in the 84th minute, as substitute forward Joel Dick etched his name on the scorer’s sheet. With the win, the holders will now lock horns with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday January 25th at the Camp Ayanganna ground.
Meanwhile, Den Amstel booted two time losing finalist Ann’s Grove from the event, following a 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory, after normal time ended 0-0. Due to the win, Den Amstel will now oppose Riddim Squad at the aforesaid venue.
The event will resume on Sunday at the Tucville Community ground with the commencement of the quarterfinal round. In the opening fixture at 19:00hrs, Santos opposes Pouderoyen, while Western Tigers engages Uitvlugt from 21:00hrs
