A Devon Millington 39th minute goal propelled Sparta Boss into the semi-final of the second Petra Organization Futsal championships after they edged North East La Penitence 2-1 Tuesday at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.
With the score 1-1 with less than two minutes remaining in regulation time, the veteran forward made his presence felt, stunning the mammoth partisan crowd with a right foot dagger into the left corner from the right side of the field.
The goal capped an impressive comeback victory for the 2015 losing finalist, who found themselves behind the eight ball following a scoreless first half.
Although both teams emanated from the same environment, there was no love lost in the contest as Kelvin Moore sent the crowd into a frenzy in the 30th minute, flicking his right foot effort over the advancing goalkeeper into the right side of the net. However, the youthful North East La Penitence unit’s lead only lasted for five minutes as an own goal restored parity to proceedings.
Gregory Richardson’s attempted strike from the right side of the field, took a severe deflection off the outstretched leg of Shaquille Browne and settled into the lower left hand corner, setting up the contest for its eventual conclusion.
Sparta Boss with the win sealed a date on Saturday at the same venue against Sophia who squeaked past Tucville 3-2. Shem Arthur, Dwayne Lowe and Sheik Kamal scored for the victors in the seventh, ninth and 25th minute apiece.
For the losing teamr, Jermaine Junior and Jahaal Greaves found the back of the net in the 13th and 28th minute respectively. Meanwhile, Back Circle continued their impressive displays as they overcame Broad Street Bullies by a 2-1 margin.
Curtez Kellman opened the scoring in the 26th minute for Back Circle, blasting his effort from the left down the middle of the empty net, after an initial strike was parried into his path by the goalkeeper.
Akeemo Anthony doubled their lead three minutes, stabbing down the center of the net following a goalmouth scramble. Broad Street pulled one back in the 32nd minute as Kieron Solomon scored to the right corner from the left side.
Nonetheless, Back Circle held on in the remaining minutes to seal the hard-fought result. The East Ruimveldt giant will now oppose defending champions Bent Street in the final four section after, following their 2-0 win over Gold is Money.
Okeene Fraser rifled a powerful right foot shot into the lower right corner in the 13th minute, while Anthony Abrams curled a right foot effort into the top left corner three minutes onward.
Prior to the commencement of the aforesaid fixtures, Green Ice Taxi defeated Pretty Posse by a 2-1 margin, while Customs downed Upper Level Barbershop 4-1 in exhibition fixtures.
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 set to conclude on April 15th.
