Akim Armstrong’s first-half brace proved enough to earn Central FC a routine 2-0 win over North East Stars, the defending Pro League (PL) champions, today at Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar.
The Stars, less than a shadow of the bunch that celebrated the PL title under Derek King last season, fell behind after only two minutes when Armstrong prodded in a Keron Cummings’ cross to belly the back of goalkeeper Glenroy Samuel’s net.
Armstrong grabbed his second on 35 minutes with a cool finish at the back post after Samuel had stretched to his left to spoon out a strike from Duane Muckette. But with Samuel’s defence almost absent and the ball landing in the path of the eventual double-scorer, Central were comfortably in front 2-0.
Armstrong, who joined Central this year from Club Sando, took his tally to four goals in all domestic competitions for the Couva Sharks, snapping a five-game drought since scoring both goals in a 2-0 won over St. Ann’s Rangers in their opening group play of the First Citizens Cup on June 10.
Central went all the way to celebrate the First Citizens Cup on July 20 with a 4-2 penalty win over Defence Force FC following a 2-2 draw, and today enjoyed a winning start to their 2018 PL campaign against their former coach, Yugoslav-boorn Zoran Vranes, who returned Trinidad this year as part of North East Stars’ new management’s player development approach.
Central were the sole aggressors throughout while North East Stars struggled to test the Couva Sharks’ Trinidad and Tobago national team goalkeeper Marvin Phillip.
Vranes’ side came closest to testing Phillip in the fourth minute when Kyle Bartholomew’s pass from the left picked out Rakim Cabie. A timely challenge however stopped Cabie in his tracks but defender Dwight Pope injured his thigh in the process, forcing Central assistant coach Walt Noriega – caretaking in absence of Stern John – into a premature change with Anthony Charles entering play.
Muckette and Cummings, both from set pieces, and Dominic Douglas with drilled attempt just wide, all gave North East Stars and Samuel worrying moments before the break.
The Couva Sharks however failed to convert chances in the second half, most notably when Samuel denied Cummings at point blank in the 90th minute, getting glove to the midfielder’s header off a Taryk Sampson cross before substitute Obadele Dickson was denied by the upright on the rebound.
Cabie then made a clearance at the goalmouth to keep out a Muckette strike after Cummings cued up his hardworking midfield partner in stoppage time.
North East Stars may have walked away at the final whistle pleased to avoid a heavier defeat against a star-studded Couva Sharks, but not with a sixth consecutive loss from as many matches in all competitions this season. Vranes’ bunch must now train their focus on San Juan Jabloteh, who they host at the same Larry Gomes Stadium from 4pm on Tuesday.
Central meanwhile have started top of the PL standings, moving ahead of Defence Force FC, 4-3 winners over Morvant Caledonia United yesterday, by goal-difference with their fourth consecutive win in all competitions and sixth victory from seven outings.
Central will look to another three points against Club Sando, in what should be a tougher challenge on Wednesday from 6pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
Sando will kick off their 2018 PL campaign on Sunday (tomorrow) against Police FC from 6pm in the second game of a double-header at Ato Boldon Stadium. W Connection will take on a fresh-look St. Ann’s Rangers in the first match from 4pm.
Results - Round 1 Match Day 1
North East Stars 0 vs Central FC 2 (Akim Armstrong 2’, 35’), at Larry Gomes Stadium.
Teams
North East Stars: 1.Glenroy Samuel (GK); 4.Sean Bateau (Capt.), 5.Sowande Preito, 7.Hayden Tinto, 11.Kyle Bartholomew, 15.Lashawn Roberts (2.Jabari Brathwaite 46th minute), 16.Daniel La Croix (33.Terrel Roberts 78th minute), 18.Josiah Daniel, 19.Kerdell Sween, 23.Sherwyn Williams (13.Jankeon Alexander 55th minute), 24.Rakim Cabie.
Unused substitute: 21.Javon Sample (GK).
Coach: Zoran Vranes
Central FC: 1.Marvin Phillip (GK); 5.Dwight Pope (27.Anthony Charles 10th minute), 8.Akim Armstrong, 10.Keron Cummings, 12.Taryk Sampson, 13.Rhondel Gibson, 15.Kaydion Gabriel (29.Kerry Baptiste 61st minute), 19.Jared London 22.Jameel Neptune, 24.Duane Muckette (Capt.), 26.Dominic Douglas (17.Obadele Dickson 78th minute).
Unused substitutes: 7.Hakim Baird, 9.Jamal Gay, 18.Densill Theobald.
Assistant Coach: Walt Noriega
Referee: Cecile Hinds
Upcoming Games
(Sunday 12 August)
W Connection vs St. Ann’s Rangers, 4pm at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Club Sando vs Police FC, 6pm at Ato Boldon Stadium.
(Tuesday 14 August)
North East Stars vs San Juan Jabloteh, 4pm at Larry Gomes Stadium;
Point Fortin Civic vs Morvant Caledonia United, 7pm at Mahaica Oval.
(Wednesday 15 August)
Club Sando vs Central FC, 6pm at Ato Boldon Stadium;
W Connection vs Police FC, 8pm at Ato Boldon Stadium;
Defence Force FC vs St. Ann’s Rangers, 7pm at Hasely Crawford Stadium.