Tobago's 1976 FC Phoenix shut out Central FC 3-0 to take a valuable three points in the early kick-off of T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) Matchweek 19 at the Phase 2 Recreation Ground in La Horquetta, Saturday.
In week 18 at the same venue, Central took a 4-4 draw from their match against Terminix La Horquetta Rangers and looked in a similar mood early on, as Dominic Davis was just wide of the target with the game's first shot at goal.
Saleem Henry and Dacian John were also full of running for the Sharks as they hunted for their first win this season.
Chasing a recovery from the 5-2 lashing at home to Club Sando, 2023 TTPFL Tier II "Most Valuable Player" (MVP) Mickaeel Jem Gordon was the usual instigator for Phoenix in an attritional first-half midfield battle.
His best efforts of the opening 45 seemed to come to naught but in the final minute of first-half additional time, Gordon slipped past his defensive marking to once again bear down on the box.
A comedy of errors by goalkeeper Kitwana Manning and his attendant defenders allowed Trevon James his moment and he knocked in the loose ball to put Central on the back foot, Phoenix leading 1-0 with the last kick of the half.
Despite the goal the league's bottom two clubs continued to toil on a humid evening in East Trinidad.
The heat appeared to get to Henry whose reckless tackle after losing possession saw him to an early shower courtesy of a 68th-minute second yellow.
Things opened up a bit but remained tight until the 80th.
Then, Gordon was again the creative force, picking the right pass on the counter to send Trevin Caesar clear on goal, and he tucked it away into the left corner of the Central goal for a 2-0 Phoenix lead.
In the 86th, Gordon had a gilt-edged chance but was a whisker away from the third.
He eventually got his just desserts in the second minute of second-half time added on, sharpest to a loose central pass, nutmegging his defender before slotting his eighth goal of the season.
The 3-0 win saw Phoenix improve to 19 points.
Result
Central FC 0 vs 1976 FC Phoenix 3 (Trevon James 45+3, Trevin Caesar 80th, Mickaeel Jem Gordon 90+2)
Sunday's matches:
Venue: Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo:
Caledonia FC vs Prison Service FC, 4 pm
AC PoS vs Police FC, 6.10 pm
Point Fortin Civic vs Club Sando, Mahaica Sports Complex, Point Fortin, 6 pm
SOURCE: T&T Guardian
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