Alpha successfully retain GFF Super League title

Jun 20, 2012 Sports

– Den Amstel upset Western Tigers

Alpha ‘The Hammer’ United have successfully retained the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Super League Championship after they were given a walk-over on Sunday at the GFC Ground, Seawall FC failing to honour their obligation of turning up. Alpha has moved to an unassailable 22 points with one game to play.
While Seawall FC failed to show up fellow West Demerara side and new kids on the block, Den Amstel continued to turn heads and muster up a serious amount of respect when they defeated city powerhouse, BK International Western Tigers by the odd goal in 3. Like Den Amstel, this is also the debut year for Western Tigers in the Super League.
The Tigers clawed their way into the lead in only the second minute of the match-up when Captain Dwayne Ali hit a 30 yard missile from right side of the North Road end goal which eluded the grasp of Goalkeeper O’Neil Heywood entering in the roof of the nets.
Giving up the advantage to their more experienced opponents never worried the West Demerarians as they continued to launch attacks of their own with good build ups and deft passing.
‘Golden Jaguar’ midfield player Kester Jacobs marshalled the engine room (midfield) in commanding fashion with ultimate authority and was ably supported by another young ‘Golden Jaguar’, Gideon Payne who played with the National Team at the Parbo Beir Cup in Suriname. National Under-20 selectee Andre Hector also contributed to Den Amstel’s dominance.
When the half time whistle was sounded, Western Tigers held on to the advantage. Ten minutes into the second half, Den Amstel was awarded a penalty after their goalie Derick Carter fouled an opponent and Referee Miguel Vieira who was on spot blew the whistle and the dreaded penalty was awarded.
However, Carter protested against the decision but the Referee upheld same. Carter was eventually issued a yellow card for dissent towards the Referee’s decision. As Kester Jacobs took the ball and spotted the ball on the mark, Carter once again showing his disapproval, this time protesting that the ball was not on the mark.
Carter’s actions would not be tolerated by the Referee Vieira who was forced to issue another yellow card, again for dissent, the two adding up to a red and Carter’s expulsion from the game. Before leaving the field Carter was abusive to the Referee using offensive and insultive language which continued after he left the playing area.
Reserve Goalkeeper, 15 year-old Romel Legall entered the fray to attempt to stop the penalty but he was unsuccessful as Jacobs slotted the ball past his outstretched left hand in the 55th minute.
Now playing with a man short, Ali, Under-20 selectee Robert Wagner, Former National Jerome Richardson and the reliable midfielder Philip Rowley tried desperately to regain the lead but the boys from the West Side defended stoutly.
Constant pressure by Den Amstel forced Western Tigers to commit a defense error in 75th minute by Jorrel Tyrrel who missed the ball at the top of the box. A lurking Gideon Payne pounced on the loose ball and headed to goal unchallenged and slipped it pass the un-rushing Legall to snatch the lead for Den Amstel.
When the final whistle was sounded the score read, Den Amstel 2 Western Tigers 1.
Despite losing the match, Western Tigers emerged as the second place team in the Super League with 19 points. Rosignol United is in 3rd place with 16 points followed by Den Amstel and Amelia’s Ward with 15 points each but Den Amstel took 4th place due to a superior goal difference. The knock-out tournament for the top 8 teams is expected to commence shortly.
Meanwhile, action is set to continue tomorrow when Alpha United and Milerock collide at the GFC Ground at 20:00 hrs. The final game between Milerock and Amelia’s Ward is scheduled for next week in the Bauxite Mining Town of Linden at a venue and date to be announced.

Points Standing
Pos      Teams                         P          W        D         L         GF       GA      GD      Points
1          Alpha                               8          7          1          0          24          5          19        22
2          Western Tigers            9          6          1          2          19           7          12        19
3          Rosignol United          9          5          1          3          21          15        6          16
4          Den Amstel                   9          4          3          2          16          13        3          15
5          Amelia’s Ward             8          5          0          3          16          17        -1         15
6          Pele                            9          4          1          5          14       15        -1         13
7          Milerock                       7          2          2          3          9             10        -1         8
8          Buxton United           9          2          1          6          7              19        -12       7
9          Seawall                         9          1          2          6          8               16        -8         5
10        Victoria Kings          9          0          2          7          9              26        -17       2