KFC School Football: Waramadong surge, but Annai falter

The action continues to heat up in the second KFC Goodwill Under-18 School Football Tournament, with Desrey Fox Secondary School, commonly called Waramadong, and defending champions Shiva Boys Hindu College bagging victories on Monday.

The newcomers from Region Seven duly scolded the top city side, Lodge Secondary, 3-1 at the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Centre at Providence.

Great fluidity and quick breaks simply stunned the city unit, as Ovid Andrews (32nd & 67th), and Whitaker Paul (35th) enhanced their team’s chance of a semi-final spot.

Dorwin George, the usual livewire for Lodge, had levelled proceedings in the 53rd minute.

Meanwhile, the later match proved to be a disappointing outcome for the Guyanese, as the Trinidadians kept the pressure for a clean sheet in their 3-0 triumph over Annai Secondary, arguably their toughest test, based on last year’s performance.

Despite no goals, Annai were always within a chance, truth be told. They were three clear opportunities in the second half which they blasted over the bar.

Hat-trick man and captain Adica Ash opened his account in the 23rd minute after a good build-up of play where he powered a loose ball past the keeper. His other two conversions came in the second half.

It was not to say the 2018 runners-up did not have their fair share of chances, but where they soared against Annandale, being able to finish, they faltered against the Trinis.

Evidently, Annai’s powerhouse in the mid-field, Ameir Robertson, was ‘marked out’ of the match and they were unable to adapt as Shiva Boys forced a physical battle down the middle.

On a hunch, if the matches continue as expected, Annai could have a second crack at Shiva Boys, that’s all on the presumption they surpass Waramadong in what looks to be one of the semi-final fixtures.

The final round-robin matches will see Shiva Boys playing Annandale from 13:00h on Wednesday, followed by Waramadong and Marian Academy from 15:00h.