By Rawle Toney
Dominican striker Julian Wade’s brilliance, especially in the second half, where he netted four goals and propelled Slingerz FC to a dominant 8 – 1 thrashing of Fruta Conquerors in the latest action in the STAG Elite League.
Alpha United also secured an important 3 – 1 win over the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) when the League Finale continued at the Leonora Track and Field Facility.
Slingerz FC is yet to taste defeat in the STAG Elite League. In fact, the Vergenoegen-based club are on an over two-year undefeated run; something unmatched in Guyana’s football.
Fruta Conquerors, one of the most improved teams in the STAG Elite League, is usually known for being one of Slingerz’s toughest opposition, and their 1 – 1 half time score reflected such proclamation.
Trayon Bobb had given the Joseph Willson-coach team the lead in the 31st minute until Eon Alleyne scored what could be the goal of the tournament, just on the stroke of half time to balance the scoreline heading into the second stanza.
However, in the second half, Slingerz stepped on the pitch and reminded Fruta Conquerors and the handful of supporters, why they’re the top club in Guyana.
Wade begun the goal hunt by netting the first of his four goals two minutes into the action when play resumed; manoeuvring nicely between two defenders and hammered the ball past the gloves of an advancing Derrick Carter.
Ten minutes later, things took a turn for the worst, as Fruta Conquerors were reduced to ten men, after Rafael Edwards picked up his second yellow card.
With Edwards being removed, Fruta Conquerors’ defence weakened, even though Eon Alleyne, in the 70th minute, could’ve squared things for the Tucville-based club but his effort was saved by Slingerz FC custodian.
On the other end of the pitch, Domini Garnett added to one more to Slingerz FC’s goal tally, making it 3 – 1. Six minutes later, Wade scored his second of the game and his team’s fourth.
Fruta Conquerors’ horror story would continue, as Wade netted back-to back goals in the (85th, 86th), while Bobb copped his second of the night in the 88th minute. A few seconds after Bobb’s strike, Garnett scored the game’s eighth goal for Slingerz FC.
Fruta Conquerors would lose attacker Jermain Junor just before the final whistle when the usually aggressive player picked up his second yellow card.
In the night’s first game, after trailing 1 – 0 from in the 13th minute, Alpha United over-powered the GDF and closed with an entertaining 3 – 1 win.
Delroy Fraser converted from the penalty spot for the Army but Dwayne Lawrence pulled one back for Wayne Dover’s men in the 52nd minute, and defender King Solomon Austin (68th minute), along with veteran forward Anthony ‘Awo’ Abrams (79th minute) sealed the win for Alpha United.
The Leonora facility will also play host to tonight’s double header from 18:00 hours.
Monedderlust will play Fruta Conquerors in the opening game, while the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) will hunt their first win in the league against the GDF at 20:30 hours.
Photo Caption: Julian Wade, flanked by teammates Domini Garnett (first from left) and Trayonn Bobb.