: Dominica came out of the lion’s den with their cup dreams still alive after they defeated hosts Dominican Republic by a single goal and progressed to the second stage of the Digicel Cup for the first time in their history.

Digicel Caribbean Cup

Group D,

Match 21:

Dominican Republic 0 vs. Dominica 1

Dominica qualify to Stage 2 of the Digicel Cup for first time in history

Dominican Republic knocked out on home turf

Pan-American Stadium, Dominican Republic

With both teams having comprehensively beaten minnows BVI in the past week, the two teams came into the match with plenty of shooting practice and attracted a large crowd expecting yet another goal fest. With the home fans buoying on the Dominican Republic, the hosts went close on 28 minutes when 5 goal sensation Batista, the top scorer in the Digicel Cup to date, came close with a diving header after meeting an inch perfect cross from Peralta on the right. Navarro was denied just before half time after a superb finger tip save from Price in the Dominica goal sent the boisterous crowd into a frenzy.

Dominica’s game plan remained constant with coach Hector reiterating the tactics to his troops at half time with the away side showing a solid well organized defence. The opening goal came on 71 minutes when centre half Elmond Derrick rose unchallenged at the back post to power home his header from a well flighted corner kick.

Knowing a draw would suffice the Dom Rep threw caution to the wind and but for some heroic last ditch defending by Austrie and Christopher, not to mention a strong of top class saves from keeper and man of the match Prince, they would have surely scored.

Despite coach Hernandez bringing in Mariano and switching formation to a more attacking three four three, the home side could not overcome a stubborn defence which meant the home crowd had to go home disappointed and remain satisfied with breaking the history books after their incredible victory over the BVI last Thursday .

Dominica now progress to Group G where they will take on Antigua, Cuba and Suriname in Antigua commencing on November 10th

For more information, access to match images and live score updates, visit www.digicelfootball.com.

Dominican Republic.- 12 Odalis Baez, 4 Cesar Garcia, 2 Joan Cruz (17 Ramon Mariano 76 mins), 3 Rafael Ramirez, 5 Orlando Belén, 8 Kelvin Severino, 19 Gonzalo Frechilla (11 Eric Ozuna 53  mins), 7 Inoel Navarro (14 Francisco Jimenez 64 mins), 15 Omar Reynoso, 10 Darling Batista, 13 Domingo Peralta.
Coach: Domingo Hernandez

Dominica.- 1 Glenson Price, 2 Prince Austrie, 3 Elmond Derrick, 6 Colin Bernard, 19 Rashid Bertrand (7 Wayne George 44 mins), 16 Chad Bertrand, 17 Carly Christopher, 15 Kelrick Walter, 10 Mitchel Joseph ( 13 Donald Javier 30 mins) (18 Cheston Dangleben 71 mins), 11 Kurlson Benjamin, 9 Lester Langlais.
Coach: Kirt Hector.
Referee:                                  JESUS LEBRÓN                   Puerto Rico
Assistant Referee 1:               ROJER RODERIK -               Netherland Antilles
Assistant Referee 2:               PABLO DE AVILA  -               Netherland Antilles

ENDS