Superstar Rangers and Defence Force moved into the quarterfinals of the Courts Pro Bowl knockout competition on Tuesday evening at the Larry Gomes Stadium after they posted contrasting victories over Tobago United and Starworld Strikers respectively. In the nights first match Tobago United must be still reeling in shock, after they surrendered a 3-0 lead at the half, with strikes from Ansil Elcock, Noel Williams and skipper Dwayne Jack.
In the 2nd period of play Rangers weaved their way back into the game in amazing fashion, in the 47th minute Jason Charles pulled one back for the St. Anns crew, then in the 74th minute Shem Mc Farlane struck to bring Rangers with one of forcing penalties, and then 4 minutes later, much to the demise of Peter Granville and his Tobago team, Dean Pacheco tied the game at 3-3, and that's how it stayed, Superstar Rangers forcing a penalty shootout to determine who moved on into the quarterfinals.
At the end of five kicks the score was tied at 4 a piece, with Addae Rique missing for Tobago and Dean Pacheco hitting over bar for Rangers.
Darly James then scuffed his kick in sudden death, and when Kerwyn Cooper converted for Rangers, their fans went up in jubilation, Rangers fighting back to come away 6-5 winners on penalties.
The 2nd match provided an equally exciting encounter, as Defence Force prevailed 2-1 winners over Starworld Strikers.
The Army, who has been struggling in the League, opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a spectacular goal, which came from a decent move down the right engineered by Anton Pierre, who sent through Anton Joseph whose cross ball found an open Akil Pierre and scissors-like fashion he volleyed it past Marvin Phillips in goal for Starworld.
The Army/Coast guard outfit drew level just before the half time whistle when Marlon Stoute tapped home the equalizer after Nigel Hart's header came off the upright.
In the 2nd half it was a tense 35 minutes, before the Army who looked the better of the 2 teams on the night finally got the winner when substitute Kerwin Coa was sent through and he calmly struck the ball into the back of the net leaving a hopeless Marvin Phillips lying prostrate on the ground.
Defence Force will now go on to meet North East Stars and Superstar Rangers will take on San Juan Jabloteh. The quarterfinal will take place on Friday night at the Larry Gomes and Manny Ramjohn stadia.
Pro Bowl Quarterfinals
North East Stars vs Defence Force @ 6 p.m.
Joe Public vs Caledonia AIA Fire @ 6p.m.