By Duncan Saul
Defending champions Bent Street, along with Sophia, Back Circle and Albouystown sealed their group stage berths when the Petra Organization Futsal Championship playoff round concluded Thursday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
Bent Street battled past Stevedore Housing Scheme 6-2 in front of a large crowd. Colin Nelson bagged a double in the 17th and 26th minute while Konata Manning, Okeene Fraser, Kelsey Benjamin and Sheldon Profit netted in the sixth, 15th, 23rd and 24th minute each.
For the losing team, Shane Morris and Dorwin Filter scored in the eighth and 25th minute respectively.
Sophia pillaged Alexander Village 5-2. Akeem Jaikissoon registered a hat-trick in the second, eighth and 29th minute while Shem Porter and Desmond Cottam netted in the 15th and 30th minute each.
Kevin Gordon and Ryan October netted for Alexander Village in the fifth and 13th minute respectively. Meanwhile, Back Circle cancelled Showstoppers 4-1.
Sylvester Richardson, Stephan McLean, Akeemo Anthony and Keron Joshua found the back of the net in the second, 14th, 15th and 20th minute respectively.
Recording a consolation goal in the 13th minute was Dexroy Adams.
In another fixture, Albouystown overcame a dogged Campbellville outfit 3-2.
Melvorn Ross, Jermin Daniels and Roy Samuels scored in the sixth, 15th and 20th minute while siblings Ozeal and Azuma Small netted in the seventh and 11th minute for Campbellville.
The other teams that have sealed places in the group round, which commences on Tuesday, at the same venue, are inaugural losing finalist Sparta Boss, Broad Street Bullies, Tucville, West Back Road, Agricola, West Front Road-Gold is Money, Tiger Bay and North East La Penitence.
Upon the end of the round-robin stage, the top two finishers and the best two third ranked teams from the respective groups will progress to the quarterfinal phase.
Winner of the tournament will collect $400,000 and the championship trophy while the runner-up will pocket $200,000 and the corresponding accolade.
The third and fourth place finishers will collect $100,000 and $50,000 respectively and the respective accolade. The event is slated to conclude on April 15th.
