A ninetieth minute strike by substitute forward Sherman ‘Ants’ Phillip secured full points for Defence Force against a gritty Tobago United which ended 3-2 at the Ato Boldon Stadium on Saturday.
The Round Three Match Day Four win now means that Defence Force are now on 40 points in maintaining their third place as they continue their resurging form this season.
Coach Kerry Jamerson’s side have now closed the gap on current League leaders San Juan Jabloteh on 43 points and second placed Caledonia AIA on 42 after their hard worked three points against the Tobagonians.
Defence Force took the early advantage after attacking midfielder Devon Jorsling registered a 14th minute strike on Scottish born goalie James Baird for a 1-0 lead.
Both teams measured each other for most of the remaining first half as the Tobagonians searched for an equalizer.
defence_tobago3Tobago United’s Coach Kenny Thomas was an elated man at the half when Garth Woodley leveled the scores at 1-1 at the half.
Both teams had promising buildups but failed to convert on a number of occasions as the match scrimmaged through and seemed destined for a draw.
But in the dying stages that changed with three goals came within three minutes.
Tobago United’s Guyanese forward Collie Hercules probably the most experienced player in the sister isle squad put his team 2-1 up in the 87th but that however was short-lived.
A late burst by Army desperate for three points in their hunt for the 2007 League title registered two goals in the space of two minutes.
‘Wonder Boy’ Richard Roy who has been a major factor in ‘Army’ climb to the top netted in the 89th and a late surge by Sherman Phillip who came on a s a 75th minute substitute made certain of full points in the 90th.
The Tetron based team enjoying a 3-2 finish while visiting Tobago United continued their return to poor form at the bottom of the table.
Teams
Defence Force—Kevin Graham(GK), Anton Pierre(Capt), Keston Williams, Michael Edwards, Keshawn Theodore(Ronald Boyce 65th), Devon Jorsling(Sherman Williams 75th), Kevon Carter, David Alleyne, Anton Joseph, Christon Baptiste(Ronald St. Louis 45th), Richard Roy.
Goal Scorers— Devon Jorsling 14’, Richard Roy 89’, Sherman Williams 90’.
Coach—Kerry Jamerson
Tobago United—James Baird(GK), Warren Phillips(Capt), Garvin Mc Kenna, George Dublin, Jamal Jack, Kevin Adams, Collie Hurcules, Garth Woodley, Marvin Phillips, Pierre Joseph, Lorenzo Wiebers.
Goal Scorers— Garth Woodley 45’, Collie Hercules 87’.
Coach—Kenny Thomas