Experienced Jerren Nixon sent a message to coach Bertille St Clair that he is ready for national duty by scoring a double for North-East Stars on Sunday at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, Arima.
Nixon, 32, took his tally of goals in the T&T Professional Football League to 31, as North-East slammed Arima/Morvant Fire 5-2 to shoot higher in the standings — six points ahead of champion team CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh.
Nixon was exceptional. His presence in the match was felt throughout. He was used as a target man and terrorised the opposition with clever dribbling, accurate shooting and deft passing.
“I was very happy with the performance of Nixon and the entire team as a whole,” said coach James McLean. “I wish them well.”
Saying that he has total respect for coach St Clair, Guyanese McLean added: “I can’t understand why Nixon has not been introduced as yet by the national coach.
“If you are looking for a team of players to take you to another level, Nixon — as the leading the goalscorer in this country’s Pro League — must be given a chance. Give the people a good reason why he is not in this team ?
“I know Nixon could fit in the team. Even when we lose, he scores. Granted, he is in his twilight. But it is a bright one.”
Nixon, the North-East captain, continued to carry the team on his shoulders by opening the scoring in the fourth minute.
Kendall Velox increased the lead in the 29th but Elliot James reduced the score for “Fire” in the 34th minute.
Sangre Grande-based North-East Stars regained a two goal lead with a Kern Navarro goal in the 36th minute.
Nixon was on target again on the resumption, netting his second goal seven minutes into the second half. Navarro completed his double in the 82nd minute.
With the possibility of victory already out of reach, “Fire “got a consolation goal from Romauld Aguillera in the 87th minute.
A pep-talk by English coach Stephen Rutter at half-time saw Jabloteh pulling up their socks in earning a 4-2 win over South-West Drillers, after the team went into the dressing-room at half-time a goal down.
Kerry Baptiste (49th minute), Ansil Elcock (55th), Trent Noel (73rd) and Stokely Masoin (79th) ensured that Jabloteh kept in touch with North-East Stars by scoring a goal each.
Ashley Adams scored both goals for the southerners — the first in the eighth minute and the second in the 60th.
PFL RESULTS:
North East Stars 5 (Jerren Nixon 4th, 52nd, Kendall Velox 29th, Kern Navarro 39th, 82nd) v Arima Morvant Fire 2 (Elliot James 34th, Romauld Aguillera 87th).
San Juan Jabloteh 4 (Kerry Baptiste 49th, Ansil Elcock 55th, Trent Noel 73rd, Stokely Mason 79th) v South West Drillers 2 (Ashley Adams 8th, 60th)