(Information gathered from www.wired868.com report)
Guyanese Pernell Schultz and Sheldon Holder were on target to help Morvant Caledonia United secure a 5 – 1 win over the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) in the quarter-finals of the TT Pro-League Lucozade Sport Goal Shield, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium yesterday (April 9).
To put the result into context, the last time Morvant Caledonia and Defence Force met in Port of Spain, which was on 8 January 2016, the “Teteron Boys” romped to a humiliating 8-0 triumph.
But the “Eastern Stallions” had other plans this time.
Morvant Caledonia were first on the score sheet, arguably against the run of play, as captain Kareem “Tiny” Joseph’s low first time cross on the break was turned in at the near post by Jameel “Shooter” Neptune in the 28th minute.
But Defence Force’s own marksman, Devorn Jorsling, brought the regiment back on level terms with a cool penalty kick in the 42nd minute, after wing back Marvin Jones tumbled in the area over Morvant Caledonia flanker Marcus Ambrose.
That would normally be the signal for the Army/Coast Guard outfit to take command of the affair. But not yesterday.
Neptune won a free kick down the left flank and, in first half stoppage time, Morvant Caledonia defender and St Kitts and Nevis international, Ordell Flemming, met Joseph’s free kick with a decisive glancing header, before wheeling away to celebrate with a spectacular somersault.
And Defence Force never recovered.
Let’s just say that coach Marvin Gordon might as well have a tailor remove the word “Defence” from his team’s emblem. Because it was one of the worst displays of defending that you are likely to see in the local top flight.
Dave Long and Stephan Campbell both presented clear scoring opportunities to Sheldon Holder and Pernell Schultz respectively within the first 15 minutes of the second half, through a combination of poor passing or being caught in possession on top of their own penalty area.
While the Defence Force’s offside trap closer resembled a welcome mat to the opposing offence.
Yet Morvant Caledonia muffed at least three chances with only opposing custodian Sheldon Clarke to beat, before Schultz finally snatched an insurance goal in the 67th minute after a Holder through pass.
Neptune made it 4-1 with the goal of the day, as he took the ball around his Trinidad and Tobago National Futsal teammate, Kerry Joseph, en route to a sizzling strike into the top right hand corner from the edge of the penalty area.
And maestro Akim Armstrong conjured up the fifth in the 78th minute, as he hurdled Campbell and cleverly teed up Holder for the finish.
Defence Force 1 (Devorn Jorsling 42 pen), Morvant Caledonia United 5 (Jameel Neptune 28, 73, Ordell Flemming 45, Pernell Schultz 67, Sheldon Holder 78) at Hasely Crawford Stadium;
(Teams)
Morvant Caledonia United (4-4-1-1): 1.Marvin Phillip (GK); 16.Antonio Joseph, 3.Ranaldo Bailey, 19.Robert Primus, 4.Ordell Flemming (20.Jamaal Harvey 80); 12.Kareem Joseph, 17.Akim Armstrong, 5.Maestro Mensah, 6.Marcus Ambrose (10.Sheldon Holder 46); 22.Jameel Neptune; 28.Pernell Schultz (15.Otev Lawrence 78).
Unused substitutes: 34.Stephon Seepersad (GK), 8.Anthony Charles, 11.Abdallah Phillips, 24.Gregory President.
Coach: Jerry Moe
Defence Force (3-4-1-2): 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK); 8.Curtis Gonzales, 2, Glynn Franklyn (52.Stephan Campbell 46), 4.Dave Long (11.Akeem Roach 66); 13.Marvin Jones, 20.Levi Serries, 99.Jerwyn Balthazar (captain), 21.Akile Edwards; 10.Hashim Arcia (23.Kerry Joseph 57); 9.Devorn Jorsling, 16.Kellon Serette.
Unused substitutes: 1.Andre Marchan (GK), 7.Jelani Felix, 17.Ross Russell Jr, 18.Sean Narcis.
Coach: Marvin Gordon
Referee: Dave Daniels
Man of the Match: Jameel Neptune (Morvant Caledonia United)
