VALTRIN UNITED captured the 2009 Eddie Hart Football League Knock out (KO) title with a 4-2 win on penalty kicks over Samba Boys at the Eddie Hart Savannah in Tacarigua last Friday night.
The success was a timely one for Valtrin, who failed to make it to the league playoffs, despite playing unbeaten in both league and KO phases this season.
On Friday, the former league champions had to come from a goal down at the break to grab a late second half item to force extra time, before prevailing on kicks from the spot
Earlier, Valtrin missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the 12th minute when striker Dwight Crichlow’s powerful right foot shot found the right upright in the way, before his attempt ricocheted into play to be cleared away to safety by Samba Boys.
That was the only real chance the new champs, who replaced Bon Air FC, had in the opening half as Samba Boys went on to dominate the remained of the session.
They were denied the opportunity to score due to Valtrin’s custodian, who, like his opposite number, showcased a safe pair of hands throughout a contest that at times looked scrappy between moments of brilliance.Â
The tall figure of Errol Charles scored for Samba Boys in the 25th minute after they came close on a couple of occasions, but midfielder Jesse Downing and striker Anton Quashie either shot wide or straight to the keeper to leave them with a 1-0 lead at the break.
In the second half Valtrin came out looking more purposeful and they started to put some attacks together, but on most occasions were thwarted by the southerners’ goalkeeper.
With time running out and Samba Boys looking like they were on their way to winning their first major title in the EHFL in three seasons, Valtrin struck through nippy Elton John to extend the even contest into extra time, before clinching their maiden KO silverware to put alongside their league trophy which they won in 2006.
In the shoot-out, Samba Boys kicked and missed their first and third attempts, while Valtrin were perfect with their first four strikes.
Valtrin had reached the final with victories over Pacemakers (2-1), 1TTR Eng Bn (3-0), St John United (2-0) and Paradise FC (2-1) in the semi-finals.
The boys from south got to their first ever final in all competitions in the EHFL with successes over Dingle Boys (4-1), Santos FC (2-1) and Parliament FC (5-4) on penalties, after the scoreline was even at 1-1 at the conclusion of regulation and extra time.