UNITED PETROTRIN marked their return to the top flight of local football with a slender 3-2 victory over Tobago United in the T&T Pro League on Tuesday night at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium, Marabella.
The Oil Boys had a dream start and seemed to be coasting to victory after goals from Kennedy Hinkson (61st and 80th) and Willan Garcia (71st) put them ahead by a 3-0 margin.
But as they did a week earlier against defending champion National Quarries North East Stars, the Tobago team fought back to make the match much closer through goals from Michael Bailey in the 83rd minute and Noel Williams (90th).
Also on Tuesday, Defence Force moved to second in the Pro League on goal-difference from North East Stars after the teams drew 0-0 in the second game of a double-header at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar.
It was actually the first game the Army/Navy squad had played this season.
The Defence Force had earlier been awarded full points from their scheduled meeting with newcomers Petrotrin after the South team failed to show for their opening game last Saturday at the Hasely Crawford Stadium due to transport problems. Petrotrin's bus had broken down that day and, ironically, their bus reportedly broke down again on Tuesday, forcing a two-hour postponement of their match with Tobago United.
In Tuesday's early game, front-runners Vibe CT105 W. Connection beat Caledonia AIA/Fire 3-0.
T&T PRO LEAGUE RESULTS:
Defence Force 0 N/E Stars 0 United Petrotrin 3 (Kennedy Hinkson 61st, 80th; Willan Garcia 71st) vs Tobago United 2 (Michael Bailey 83rd; Noel Williams 90th)
W. Connection 3 (Atiba Charles 56th; Earl Jean 59th; Kendall Davis 64th) vs Caledonia AIA/Fire 0