Caledonia AIA ended a two-match winless run in the Digicel Pro League and picked up much needed points by hammering bottom of the table T&TEC FC 6-0 for a second time this season on Monday night at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
In their last two League outings, Caledonia - second on the ladder, dropped points by finishing with a goalless draw against defending champions DIRECTV W Connection and sat on the wrong side of the 5-1 score against leaders Defence Force.
But the Morvant-Laventille boys made a u-turn last week in the semi-final round of the FA Trophy with a 2-1 comeback win over North East Stars at the very same venue to reach their second Final of the season.
Caledonia, now with 20 points and trailing Defence Force (28 points) by 8 points, followed up with a scintillating display of possession, passing and finishing to demolish T&TEC after missing out on an opening item from the penalty spot.
Just eight minutes into the match right wingback Kareem Joseph was toppled inside the area by Eustace Darius forcing referee Rodphin Harris to sound his whistle and point to the spot.
However Joseph, known for putting it away from the spot, disappointingly directed his kick too high.
And in the 16th minute after a patient buildup by Caledonia, Joseph was influential with a sharp run into the area after he was picked out by Abdallah Phillips’ pass and sent a low cross into the six yard area for Trevin Caesar to easily guide into the back of the net. But to their disappointment, the offside flag had already gone against the Tobagonian.
Caledonia finally got it right in the 26th minute for a 1-0 advantage courtesy the Guyana National Team forward, Holder.
An intelligent run down the left by wingback Aubrey David, teaming up with Phillips and Caesar, before sending in a cross to Holder who intelligently shielded off defender Cebastian Bailey and hitting past goalkeeper Darryl Francis.
Caesar then made it 2-0 by the 33rd minute after wrestling free an Edwards’ pass between a couple yellow shirts and executed a perfect strike from just inside the area to beat a hapless Francis.
Holder later made it 3-0 in the 53rd minute to complete his double. The Guyanese executing a simple left footed strike from the edge of the six yard area after an intended Edwards' pass to Joseph bobbled into his path.
T&TEC was fortunate not to concede another in the 59th minute when Holder derailed his hat-trick by hooking an effort just wide as Caledonia penetrated T&TEC at will.
Holder was later replaced in the 69th minute after picking up a knock and his replacement, midfielder Akim Armstrong enjoyed an item of his own for a 4-0 score seconds after entering the pitch.
Armstrong volleyed a high Joseph into the roof of the T&TEC goal as Caledonia showed no mercy against the side they defeated at the same 6-0 score in Round One last November.
Another substitute and younger brother to Joseph, Sherron, also got on the score sheet in the 74th minute with Caledonia 5th item thanks to an assist by Edwards.
The distraught 'Electric Boys' had their first and only real attempt on goal by Tigana Sparks in the 83rd minute but that was spoiled by goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel who clearly enjoyed the night. And a minute later Edwards wrapped up the 6-0 with a perfect strike into the far corner after he latched onto a Stephan David David pass into the area.
In the end T&TEC conceding its 9th League defeat of the season remained slumped at the bottom with just 4 points after 11 matches opposite, a complete reverse to their debut run last season.
Results
T&TEC FC 0—6 Caledonia AIA
; Sheldon Holder 26’, 53’, Trevin Caesar 33’, Akim Armstrong 69’, Sherron Joseph 74’, Keyon Edwards 86’
Teams
T&TEC FC—Darryl Francis, Keeron Benito (capt.) (Nathaniel Garcia 56th), Angus John, Larry Bacchus (Yellow Card), Sylvester Teesdale, Cebastian Bailey (Yellow Card), Daniel Garcia, Tigana Sparks, Eustace Daruis (Husani Thomas 56th), Bevon Bass (Glen Sutton 79th), Givon John.
Unused substitutes—Shaquille Ferrier, Levi Garcia, Akeem Redhead, Glen Sutton.
Coach—Dexter Cyrus.
Caledonia AIA—Glenroy Samuel, Stephan David (capt.), Kareem Joseph, Aubrey David, Colin Nelson, Trevin Caesar (Miguel Alejandro Romeo 60th), Keyon Edwards, Abdallah Phillips, Akeem Thomas, Sheldon Holder (Sherron Joseph 69th), Nathan Lewis (Akim Armstrong 60th).
Unused substitutes—Shemel Louison, Odelle Armstrong, Sherron Joseph, Shemol Trimmingham, Vurlon Mills.
Coach—Jerry Moe.