Russel Alfred starred off the bench with a goal and assist to help earn Club Sando a critical 2-0 win over MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers on Sunday in the 2018 First Citizens Cup at St. Augustine Secondary Ground.
The win put the Oranges’ push for a semi-final spot—as the top two teams will advance—back on track following an opening goalless draw against San Juan Jabloteh on 18 June. A loss or draw against Rangers, however, would have virtually put the Angus Eve coached-side out.
Club Sando (4 points) have six points to play for in the Immortelle Group, but must seek them against joint leaders Central FC and Defence Force FC (6 points), on July 1 and 6 respectively, while Rangers (0 point) will only play for pride in their final game against fourth-positioned Jabloteh (1 point) on 1 July.
Russel’s arrival at the expense of teenager Quinn Rodney on 63 minutes later proved a masterstroke by Eve after both sides failed to conjure up any real attempt.
Two minutes on and the 25-year-old Russel, who joined from Guaya United, played a low cross that evaded Rangers’ defence for Kevon Piper to break the deadlock from close range against goalkeeper Cleon John.
Russel then exercised his strength and goal-scoring capability when he sealed the Club Sando win in the 79th minute as Rangers crashed out to their third straight defeat.
First Citizens Cup 2018 Results
St. Ann’s Rangers 0 v Club Sando 2 (Kevon Piper 65’, Russel Alfred 79’), at St. Augustine Secondary.
Teams
MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers: 1.Cleon John (GK) (Capt.); 3.Andel Brown, 4.Lukeman Brooks (30.Marvin Springer), 6.Saleem Henry, 7.Jamal Gay, 8.Shem Alexander (9.Keon Peters 53rd minute), 12.Kwame Hazel, 14.Jabari Mayers (13.Tyrell Cameron 35th minute), 24.Ethan Bonaparte, 26.Isiah Mc Lean, 38.Kyle Thomas.
Unused substitutes: 22.Jabari St. Hillaire, 10.Kristian Meloney, 20.Alister Bernard, 23.Jeremiah Vidale, 28.Marvin Springer.
Coach: Adrian Romain
Club Sando: 34.Kelvin Henry (GK); 5.Trevin Latapy, 6.Kemuel Rivers, 8.Kevon Piper (14.Kadeem Gittens 88th minute), 10.Keron Cornwall, 12.Michael Basdeo (4.Shawndell Augustus 85th minute), 13.Shakiyl Phillip, 18.Aaron Kennedy, 19.Quinn Rodney (11.Russell Alfred 63rd minute), 23.Nicholas Thomas, 27.Jayson Joseph (Capt.).
Unused substitutes: 1.Stefan Berkeley (GK); 9.Tigana Sparks, 15.Shadeon Arthur, 33.Enrique Changiah.
Coach: Angus Eve
Referee: Cecile Hinds
Immortelle Group
Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Defence Force FC 3 2 0 1 12 4 8 6
2 Central FC 2 2 0 0 4 1 3 6
3 Club Sando 2 1 1 0 2 0 2 4
4 San Juan Jabloteh 2 0 1 1 0 4 -4 1
5 MIC-IT St. Ann’s Rangers 3 0 0 3 2 11 -9 0
Abercrombie Group
Rank Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts.
1 Police FC 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6
2 W Connection 3 2 0 1 5 3 2 6
3 Morvant Caledonia United 2 1 0 1 3 2 1 3
4 Point Fortin Civic 2 1 0 1 4 4 0 3
5 North East Stars 3 0 0 3 1 9 -8 0