West Demerara giant Pouderoyen FC downed Airy Hall 2-1 when the maiden edition of the Paradise Sports Club ‘Stop Violence against Women and Children’ Football Champion-ship continued on Sunday.
And, in a post-match comment, Pouderoyen coach Shaveen Ghent-Bess said that she was proud of the team.
“For me, I am very proud of the group, we played well despite being in unfamiliar conditions and environment. We communicated well and looked out for each other and tried to avoid infighting and issues during the match. We worked hard together to get the result which I am very proud of.”
She added, “The tournament is a work in progress but it’s a great initiative on the Berbice end. We were warmly welcomed, the players were comfortable and the experience was good so we expect things to improve going forward and in later editions.”
Staged at the Paradise Community ground, the West Demerara outfit secured the opening goal (which proved to be the only conversion of the first half) through Chad Matthews in the fifth minute.
A cross from the right side which was missed by the defender in his attempt to clear the danger was passed to the onrushing Matthews who slammed his effort from inside the penalty box past the advancing goalkeeper into the left corner.
Airy Hall would eventually level proceedings in the 75th minute following a defensive error. An attempt by the Pouderoyen defender to dribble out of danger in the defensive third was stolen by the forward who finished past the goalkeeper into the far corner.
Nevertheless, Pouderoyen would not be denied the winner as Matthews completed his double in the 89th minute. Racing from the defender just over the halfway mark, Matthews dribbled the onrushing goalkeeper during a one-on-one situation before slotting the ball into the back of the net. The tournament continues on Friday at the same venue with another round of matches. The teams that are yet to feature in the tournament are Paradise-A, Ann’s Grove, No. #5, and Cougars FC. Presently, Mahaica and Paradise-A have also progressed to the next round.
The winner of the event will receive $300,000 and the championship trophy, while the second, and third-place finishers will cop $150,000 and $70,000 respectively, alongside the corresponding accolade. The fourth-place side will receive a trophy.
Meanwhile, Santos squeaked past Fruta Conquerors 1-0 when the Georgetown Football Association (GFA) Senior Men’s League continued at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) ground, Bourda on Sunday evening.Stephon Reynolds recorded the only conversion to separate the two teams in the 63rd minute. In other results GT Panthers downed Black Pearl 2-1 while the Guyana Police Force gained a walkover from Order and Discipline.
Complete Results
Game-1
Black Pearl-1 vs GT Panthers-2
Game-2
GPF vs Order and Discipline
GPF won via walkover
Game-3
Santos-1 vs Fruta Conquerors-0
Stephon Reynolds-63rd
