Police FC has turned its focus on Digicel Pro League leaders North East Stars following last weekend’s 1-0 loss against Central FC at the Manny Ramjohn Stadium.
Following the Round One Match Day Two defeat, Police defensive midfielder and captain Todd Ryan said, “It doesn’t matter what we say now, it can’t bring back the result of the game. We just have to move on and by weekend we are looking for three points.”
The Lawmen, 2-0 winners over T&TEC FC in Round One Match Day One, will visit North East Stars from 7pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium on Saturday 27 October in Round One Match Day Three.
The Stars, 3-1 winners over Caledonia AIA in Match Day One, are coming off last weekend’s disappointing 3-3 draw against Defence Force after holding a 3-nil advantage.
Meantime Police also expressed disappointment in Friday’s defeat.
Ryan explained, “I’m disappointed in the way we conceded the goal because in the three games we played this season, we didn’t concede a goal in the run of play which proves that the defenders are doing a good job.
And the manner in which we conceded, I thought it was a soft penalty and I’m a bit disappointed in that.”
In the 65th minute of the match, referee Cecile Hinds signaled to the spot after a short cross by Hayden Tinto inside the area landed on the hand of defender Errol Charles to give Central what turned out the winning item.
Anthony Wolfe converted past goalkeeper Emmanuel Nurse who previously made a couple saves against Central.
“It was a good game because Central played well,” continued Ryan. “They moved the ball a lot and they were playing fast. We don’t have to hold our heads down [because of the defeat]. It was 1-0 by a penalty. We just have to go back to the training field and work hard.”
Head Coach Richard Hood shared identical feelings.
He told ttproleague.com, “I was very much disappointed in how we conceded tonight (Friday). It was a handle ball and penalty. I thought that we defended really well throughout the game. I think Central played well, they moved the ball around but we are still upset in the manner in which we conceded.
We are going back to the drawing board. I thought we got trouble to keep possession of the ball as well as some of the defensive aspects in the middle of the field in particular. Those are two areas we would be definitely paying attention too and we hope to improve.”
Round One Match Day Three kicks off on Friday 26 October with a double header at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. St. Ann’s Rangers will take on W Connection from 7pm and Caledonia AIA against rivals Defence Force from 9pm.
And on Saturday, prior to the contest between North East Stars and Police FC at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Central FC will meet T&TEC from 5pm.