The East Zone of the 2007 BG T&T Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) kicked off in conservative style at the Larry Gomes Stadium yesterday as last year's zonal champions St Augustine were held to a 2-2 draw by Toco Composite in the first match of a double-header, which also featured San Juan Senior Secondary and El Dorado Secondary Comprehensive.
In the first game, St Augustine, who rolled over their opponents last year, were made to work extra hard against a Toco side which was much stronger than the one that competed 12 months ago.
Toco were on the attack in the 19th minute with Josiah Eccles taking a free kick but his shot sailed safely over the head of Joel Johnson in goal for St Augustine.
Toco again looked dangerous in the 24th with Vincent dancing past three defenders but he was unable to make any use of the possession as Rupert Brandon fell back to offer his assistance to the shaky 'Green Machine' back line.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 32nd with Brandon crossing the ball into the penalty area and Daniel Joseph bringing it under control before passing to Mark Alibey who buried it in the back of the net to put St Augustine 1-0 up.
They should have gone 2-0 up at the half when Alibey ran onto the ball and had only the Toco keeper Simon Blake to beat but he put his shot wide.
Ten minutes into the second half, Toco got their equaliser through a penalty kick from Vincent.
In the 71st, St Augustine regained the lead after Theon Forde-Edwards made a penetrating run down the right side, taking the ball from the midfield, and putting it on the boot of Seon Charles who blasted home.
But it was Vincent again who put Toco back in the game, getting their second equaliser in the 82nd minute to ensure that the points were shared.
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