A pair of Devorn Jorsling goals and a string of fortunes on Friday saw Digicel TT Pro League leaders Defence Force whip second positioned Caledonia AIA 5-1, in the second match of a double header staged at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.
An own goal, a penalty, and a second half gift all contributed to Caledonia’s demise and in contrast, Defence Force’s seventh consecutive league win.
It was a pleasurable result for Army’s head coach Ross Russell who lost the final of the First Citizens Cup to Caledonia this season, and suffered a 4-2 defeat in opening round of the league.
Caledonia started the stronger of the two teams, and in the eighth minute, Sheldon Holder blasted Caledonia ahead when he checked inside the area and unleashed a left footed strike to beat goalkeeper Kevin Graham after a well timed pass by Trevin Caesar.
However, two minutes later the scores were leveled via an unfortunate Kareem Joseph own goal.
A deep ball forward by national midfielder Curtis Gonzales intended for teammate Jerwyn Balthazar was cut out by Joseph’s header which looped the ball over goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel for an own goal.
Caledonia’s disappointment grew faster than recovery.
Jorsling, holding down the mantle in absence of Richard Roy who is out on trials, netted twice in a space of nine minutes to pace the Soldiers 3-1.
The T&T forward converted from the penalty spot in the 18th minute beating Samuel on the right after he was adjudged to have been brought down by defender Collin Nelson.
Nelson was subsequently shown a yellow card by referee Neil Brizan who also cautioned Caledonia midfielder Keyon Edwards for what may have been seen as dissent.
Jorsling then wrapped up his double on the night with a tap in from close up off an Aklie Edwards left sided cross.
Defence Force, blazing on all guns, found the back of the net again two minutes from the half for a comfortable 4-1 score.
Kevon Cater was alert and well positioned to blast past Samuel off Balthazar’s perfect cross into the area.
Balthazar, who had an excellent night in midfield for Defence Force also contributed to his team’s fifth and final item in the 88th minute.
A terrible goal kick by Samuel landed the ball to the feet of Defence Force substitute Josimar Belgrave above the area and after a quick exchange with Balthazar, Belgrave drove a shot past the Caledonia at first post for the 5-1 score.
Caledonia, which remains second on the eight-team standings with 17 points, had its best effort from striker Trevin Caesar cancelled out by an excellent save from Graham in the 58th minute.
Defence Force now enjoys an eight-point gap at the top of the standings, while defending champion DirecTV W Connection, 2-0 winners over Ann’s Rangers in the earlier match on Friday, sits third with 16 points.
Round Two Match Day Three continued last night with another Ato Boldon Stadium double header. Police FC will take on North East Stars from 5pm and bottom of the table T&TEC FC goes up against Central FC from 7pm.
Teams
Defence Force: 1.Kevin Graham; 14.Cory Rivers (capt), 5.Devin Jordan, 20.Rodell Elcock, 21.Aklie Edwards; 3.Keston Williams (12.Josimar Belgrave 37th), 8.Curtis Gonzales; 29.Jemel Sebro (17.Ross Russell Jr 66th), 15.Jerwyn Balthazar (16.Kerry Joseph 78th), 11.Kevon Carter; 10.Devorn Jorsling.
Unused substitutes: 25.Sheldon Clarke (GK), 4.Marvin Jones, 6.Michael Edwards, 18.Sean Narcis.
Coach: Ross Russell.
Caledonia: 33.Glenroy Samuel; 12.Kareem Joseph, 4.Colin Nelson, 20.Akeem Thomas (24.Shemol Trimmingham 69th), 2.Aubrey David; 26.Vurlon Mills, 7.Stephan David (capt), 9.Keyon Edwards, 30.Qian Grosvenor (17.Akim Armstrong 56th), 28.Sheldon Holder (14.Elvis Thomas 56th), 6.Trevin Caesar.
Unused substitutes: 1.Shem Louision (GK), 18.Sherron Joseph, 27.Nathan Lewis, 22.Miguel Romeo.
Coach: Jerry Moe.