BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - A second half comeback has propelled Conaree FC to the summit of the Digicel Premier Division standings in what is shaping up to be a close race for the final four places, as the play-offs approach.
Though taking the lead in the 18th minute through Glenroy Samuel, Conaree were placed on the back foot after Mantab struck twice before the end of the first half, equalising through Eldeen Huggins in the 24th minute and moving ahead through Kirae Jarvis in the 44th minute.
Trailing at half time, Conaree started the second with some added impetus and equalised through a moment of individual brilliance by Byun Morson in the 65th minute, who picked up the ball in the middle of the park on the left side and flew past Mantab’s defender before blasting it into the roof of the net to equalise the game.
The match then hit a turning point when a fight broke out between players of both teams, which led to Kevis Hughes, Karl Tuitt and Elroy Carey of Mantab and Stedroy Charles and Michael Samuel of Conaree being dismissed for their roles in the altercation.
Peace was however restored and the game got underway. And in the dying moments, Conaree was awarded a penalty which was converted by Andy Liburd in the 89th minute.
Officials of the match played yesterday (Jul. 1) at the Gardens Playfield were Caldon Duncan, Delroy Jefffers, Florencetine Morton and James Matthew.
In the second game of the evening, played at the same venue, Hobson Enterprises Garden Hotspurs eased their way to victory over Harris Paint St. Peters to leap frog into second place of the Premier Division standings.
The game’s opening goal came through a solo effort in the 26th minute when Timothy Smithen used supreme pace and skill dodging tackles from defenders to work his way into the box and shot the ball into the back of the net.
Spurs then continued to create numerous chances which put St. Peter’s under heavy pressure.
St. Peter’s however was given a penalty in the 45th which Kirkland Harris failed to convert and kept Spurs’ one goal lead intact going into the second half.
In the second half Spurs’ dominance continued and the team was rewarded with a second goal off the head of Tahir Hanley who, though small in nature, rose above everyone else in the 59th minute.
Rovan Wigley’s 75th minute header capped off what proved to be another convincing win for Spurs; their fourth in a row.
Officials were Tristley Bassue, Stedroy Douglas, Ike Inniss and Travester Richards.
Conaree and Spurs now occupy first and second place, respectively.
TEAMS MP W D L GF GA GD PTS
Conaree F.C 15 10 2 3 37 16 21 32
H.E Garden Hotspurs F.C 15 9 3 3 24 13 11 30
Rams Village Superstars F.C 14 8 4 2 28 12 16 28
Delphic Newtown United F.C 14 8 4 2 28 15 13 28
S.L Horsford St. Pauls F.C 14 7 6 1 16 5 11 27
Harris Paints St. Peters F.C 15 4 3 8 20 27 -7 15
Mantab 15 4 2 9 18 33 -15 14
St. Thomas/Trinity Strikers F.C 14 3 2 9 12 25 -13 11
SPD United 14 2 4 8 10 36 -26 10
Cayon F.C 14 1 2 11 13 24 -11 5
