Buxton United was crowned the East Coast Mash Cup Football Champion, defeating arch-nemesis and derby rival Buxton Stars via sudden penalty kicks on Saturday evening at the Golden Grove Community Centre ground.
Unable to be separated at the end of full time at 1-1, Buxton United prevailed over their fierce rival 8-7 on sudden death penalty kicks. Before the aforesaid dramatic conclusion, Buxton United eventually broke the deadlock following a scoreless first-half period, as Teshawn Gordon netted in the 81st minute.
Racing onto a through pass from Tyreek Cummings, the wily Gordon uncorked a curling right-footed effort from inside the penalty area past the advancing goalkeeper into the far corner.
However, a goalkeeping error in the dying embers of the contest led to the equaliser for Buxton Stars, as Cleavon Barnwell netted in the 90th minute, lashing his effort into the back of the net after the opposing custodian inexplicably lost possession of the ball inside the penalty area, allowing the onrushing forward to capitalise.
Due to the outcome, Buxton United walked away with $400,000 and the championship trophy, while the loser pocketed $200,000 and the corresponding accolade.
Meanwhile, Monedderlust defeated the Cougars 2-0 in the third-place playoff. An own goal in the 23rd minute opened the scoring for the West Coast Berbice outfit, while Atlyn Brown completed the result as he found the back of the net in the 43rd minute.
With the result, Monedderlust received $150,000 and the third-place trophy, while the loser received $75,000 and the respective trophy.
Complete Results
Final
Buxton United-1 vs. Buxton Stars-1
Buxton United won 8-7 on sudden death penalty kicks
Buxton United scorer
Teshawn Gordon-81st
Buxton Stars scorer
Cleavon Barnwell-90th
3rd Place
Cougars-0 vs. Monedderlust-2
Own Goal-23rd
Atlyn Brown-43rd