Defending champion Showstoppers, former winner West Side Ballers, contender Admiral United and newcomer ESPN were in the winner’s circle when the third annual Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ football tournament, West Demerara/East Bank Demerara zone, commenced Friday.
Witnessed by a mammoth crowd at the Pouderoyen Tarmac, Showstoppers pillaged Small Panama 3-0.
An own goal in the seventh minute broke the deadlock before Dexroy Adams slotted home in the 16th minute following two-on-one situation to increase their advantage.
The fixture was then sealed in the 20th minute Kayode King unleashed a right foot shot with the outside of his boot from the halfway line into the lower right corner of the net.
West Side Ballers next made light work of Comfort Ballers 2-0. Dwayne St. Kitts converted from the left side in the sixth minute before Gideon Payne placed his effort down the centre of the net in the 12th minute to seal the result.
Hustlers Sunil Logan (right) tussling with a Bagotstown Ballers player for possession of the ball at the Pouderoyen Tarmac in the third annual Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ West Demerara/East Bank Demerara zone Friday night. (Orlando Charles photo)
Admiral United sank Speedboat 3-0. The contest was effectively over in the first period through a Lexroy Manfield double in the second and fifth minute. Completing the result in the 11th minute was Emmanuel Henry’s goal.
ESPN booked their place in the next round, battling past Samaroo Dam 1-0. Nicquan Nestor was the difference on the night, stabbing home from the left side in the 14th minute, after collecting a pass from Dwayne Lindie.
In other results, Patentia Street Ballers crushed Raiders 2-0 via goals from Kurt Garnett and Andre Bernard in the 15th and 18th minute respectively.
Also, Good Intent All-Stars edged Harmony-B 1-0. Daniel Alves found the back of the net in the 15th minute.
Similarly, Future Crane edged Agricola 1-0 compliments of an Ashton Hodge 13th minute effort whilst De Kinderen Ballers downed Vege Boyz 1-0. Steffon Dickson scored in the 19th minute.
Meanwhile, Hustlers needled Bagotstown Ballers 1-0 on penalty kicks, after regulation time saw the contest ending scoreless while Bagotstown Warriors defeated Young Ballers 1-0 on sudden death kicks, following a 0-0 score at the end of normal time.
The event resumes Tuesday at the same venue with eight fixtures. The first two nights of the event will be contested in an elimination format, with the resulting 16 teams being divided into four groups of four.
At the end of the group round, the top two finishers from each pool will progress to the quarterfinal section. Winner of the tournament will receive $450,000, the championship trophy and right to represent the zone at the National Championship. The second, third and fourth placed teams will receive$150,000, $100,000 and $50,000 respectively.
