League Two in the Trinidad and Tobago Super League is drawing to a dramatic close with the top two teams – Petit Valley/Diego Martin Utd (PVDMU) and Prisons FC, going head to head on Saturday 23 September at 4 pm with a spot in League One up for grabs.
With two rounds of matches left in League Two, Petit Valley/Diego Martin Utd (20 Pts) and Prisons FC (19 Pts) occupy the two promotion spots but they are followed closely by Central 500 Spartans (18 Pts), Harlem Strikers (16 Pts) and Perseverance Ball Runners (15 Pts) who all have a mathematical chance of sneaking into the top two by the end of the season.
A win for either team on the day though would mean automatic promotion and it comes as no surprise that Petit Valley/Diego Martin Utd view the match-up at YTC, Arouca as a virtual final, according to Manager Derek Edwards.
“All the guys excited. That’s what they are craving for the whole season – the opportunity to play in a virtual final and it comes like a final. All guns coming out tomorrow,” Edwards told TTSL Media.
Edwards also made mention of the impact that playing in the Super League’s highest tier for the first time would have for the west based community.
“It means plenty you know (for the community). Right now it comes like the pinnacle of the football fraternity so they really going for it. Its a strong drive from the guys” stated Edwards.
“We really looking forward to being in the other division.”
Much of PVDMU success this season has come on the heels of stellar performances from their returning hometown heroes, such as Keron “Ballpest” Cummings.
Former national senior team midfielder Cummings has been at the heart of his team’s ascent and echoed his manager’s sentiments regarding the key clash.
“We’re excited about the game,” Cummings told TTSL Media. “That’s one of the reasons why I came back (to PVDMU). We just want to come out and put on a good performance for the village and the young players coming up now.”
He continued, “where football is concerned, the youths and them look up to me. So it’s important. That’s what I came back home to do – bring the boys and them up (to League One) and show them the right way.”
In Prisons FC however, PVDMU face an opponent high on confidence and not short of quality either.
The Arouca based team produced the shock of the round in midweek action in the CFTL League Cup Quarterfinals by defeating League One title contenders FC Santa Rosa 2-0.
The Prison’s outfit was resolute against the “Big Cannons” and boasting a host of new recruits to compliment the likes of Anthony Parris, they comfortably dispatched their more prestigious opponents.
A victory in league action for Prisons, would also mean a maiden voyage in the Super League’s highest tier after coming close to promotion in 2015.
What’s for certain is that history beckons for the two teams, but at the end of 90 mins in Arouca, who will answer the call?