Three-time finalists Defence Force and last year’s runner-up bmobile Joe Public will lock horns in this year’s final of the First Citizens Cup at the Marvin Lee Stadium, Macoya, from 8 pm tonight. At stake is the $65,000 top prize while the loser will collect a consolation cheque for $30,000.
However, prior to tonight’s marquee encounter, a Media XI will be seeking to avenge a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of the Pro League Coaches XI from 6 pm. The main fixture between the “Eastern Lions”, beaten 6-5 on penalties in last year’s final by W Connection, and the “Teteron Boys”, winners in 2002, should provide the expected large spectator turn out with a mouth watering encounter.
Both Joe Public and Defence Force advanced to the final with 2-0 semifinal wins over Clico San Juan Jabloteh and Ma Pau respectively and will be going all out to claim the second trophy up for grabs this season. W Connection defeated Defence Force 3-0 in the Lucozade Sport Goal Shield final.
Defence Force coach Ross Russell knows that his team has not won a major title since lifting the 2002 Cup, but his players will still be oozing with confidence. Beaten in the 2000 and 2004 finals, Defence Force enjoyed a long road to the final, beating Tobago United 2-1 in the qualifying round before a come-from-behind 3-2 win over Caledonia AIA of Morvant/Laventille in the quarterfinals.
Russell says he is keen to end that drought. “The final is upon us and all the players and staff are aware that this is the moment to try and break the jinx. We have done well to make the final and don’t intend to stop here,” said Russell.
In head-to-head league results this season, Defence Force inspired by strikers Devon Jorsling and Kevon Carter emerged with a 4-3 win while the other match ended in a 3-3 draw. The ‘Teteron Boys’ also secured a 4-2 penalty-kicks win in the quarterfinals of the Lucozade Sport Goal Shield following a 1-1 draw.
This time around Russell is expecting a tougher battle. “I see it as a hard road to climb. Joe Public is playing well at the moment. They are on top of the league and they are equipped with Kerry Baptiste who has been scoring lots of goals so it’s going to be a big challenge,” ended Russell.
Joe Public coach Derek King is also keen on his club landing the Cup and has his mind set on ending its winless run against Defence Force this season. “It would be a blessing being the youngest coach in the league to win the Cup,” said the 28-year-old King.
On its way to the final, Joe Public whipped St Ann’s Rangers comfortably 5-1 in the quarterfinals then blanked Clico San Juan Jabloteh 2-0 in the semifinal.
“We are well prepared and no disrespect to Defence Force, but the tables will turn,” said King. “They may have bettered us on a couple occasions this season but our players are more than ready.”