The Emmett Caines Knockout Cup produced some true cup drama as it got underway Saturday, with both Positive FC and Old Madrid FC upsetting the form book, recording penalty shoot-out victories to progress.
In the first game of the day, Old Madrid held Lion Heart to a 1-1 draw during regulation time, and then came out 3-2 victors, in the penalty shoot-out.
“We got our first win and are training hard to put Old Madrid back where it belongs. We are happy to have got the victory and are looking forward to the games to come this season” stated Old Madrid President, Anthony Bramble.
In the second game, Positive picked up only their second win in all competitions since they formed, when they rocked the Rebels, first coming back from two goals down and securing a 3-3 draw at the end of regulation time, before stunning their opponents from the penalty spot, coming out 5-4 winners in the shoot-out.
After the game, Positive’s Stephen Brown gave due notice that Positive would prove a much sterner opposition this season “Positive will be one of the best teams this season! We are hard in training; we have players who can do what we ask, and I give credit to the guys and coaching staff for the improvements. I’m grateful to for the fans who have stuck by us and promise they will see a different set of results this season”.
On Sunday, Islanders FC and One Love FC also saw their game go to penalties after a thrilling showdown, which ended at 2-2, but One Love held their nerve to go through, emerging victorious with a 4-3 penalty shootout win. One Love had opened a two-goal cushion with goals from Collin Lavia in the 12th minute and Johari Lacey in the 46th, before right at the death Troy Caesar pulled one back for the Islanders and deep into added time (98th minute) Cordial Hall equalized to send the game to spot kicks.
“It was a good competitive game, with both teams playing physical, but scoring the early goal settled us down and we were thankful to win the penalties” stated coach Lenroy “left” Henry
VG United had much more stress-free progress into the second round, as they overcame the Panthers 2-0 over on the Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground. Bernard Cumberbatch scored VG’s first in the 36th minute and Deshawn Richardson rounded out the comfortable victory in the 74th minute.
“It was a good game for our first time out this season” commented Manager Jermain Abrams “As a team I’m satisfied with the way we played, the back line played well and our newly appointed keeper, Manly, saved a penalty late on! We were a bit rusty but have started out on a good foot and are in the second round!”
The weekends action rounded out with Sugar Boys FC walloping Wolues FC 7-4, as Alejandro Sanchez scored two and Derol Redhead also two with Rashad Boyce, German Gonzalez and Akim Hendrikson one apiece. James Malley (2) put the Wolues ahead in just the 6th minute with further Wolues goals coming from Mauricio Williams and Ian Chambers.
Sugar Boys were rewarded with a bye in the next round, while the draw conducted at the FA Office in East End saw Old Madrid v VG United to take place on the Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground at 6pm on Sunday and Positive FC against One Love United in East End / Long Look on Saturday at 6pm.