The 2014 Premier League of Belize Playoffs
Good Evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday.
The PLB season continued into Week 4 with a monster showdown at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium as the Belize Defense Force marched against the Belmopan Bandits as the post season heats up.
Folks, the B.D.F. could have gotten on to the scoreboard in the opening minute when Andrew Allen rifles this volley off a defensive header that ricochets off the far upright as Bandits dodge a bullet. The Belmopan team responds off this set piece triggered by Dalton Eiley to Evan Mariano who wasn’t too far off with the header. Nevertheless, it’s the Bandits in the ascendancy when Edmond Pandy Junior rolls this pass across the goal mouth deflected by Stephen Martinez which almost forces Harrison Tasher into the dreaded auto goal.
The Bandits continue to pour on the pressure and Highking Roberts’ full volley just screams over the crossbar. The pressure pays off when this set piece from Dalton Eiley finds Elroy Kuylen whose header was simply too good for Tevin Gamboa to do anything about it as Belmopan takes the 1-zip lead around the 38th minute. The B.D.F. looks for the equalizer in 2nd half action; Carlton Thomas finds Stephen Martinez but the finish is woefully lacking. The lead gets a chance to be doubled off this set piece launch from Marvin Centeno which is squandered when Elroy Kuylen misreads. To make amends, Kuylen lets loose this right foot bouncer but give Tevin Gamboa some credit for the save. We must say the Belmopan Bandits deserved the 3 pts from this outing as they go on to post the 1-zip big Win.
So now we return to the Isidoro Beaton Stadium for yesterday’s grudge match between Police United and the might machine Verdes FC. Don’t get it twisted it’s Verdes FC in the white uniform with green trimmings and its Gilroy Thurton with this left foot offering that beats Keith Allen but the near upright becomes his best ally. The ever dangerous Jarret Davis then penetrates to beat Allen only to be denied by a determined defensive effort from the police. However, it’s the police with the better opportunity to open the scoreboard when Daniel Jimenez finds Trevor Lennon who nods it on to Devon Makin whose header is rejected by Benito Morriera to Harrison “Kafu” Roches and his half volley gets the same treatment from the Verdes keeper. Today, good fortune resides with Benito Morriera because this power punch from Danny Jimenez has him beat but this time the crossbar rescues him.
At the other end Jarret Davis pulls out his skills to become provider for San Mendez only to see San disappoint the Verdes fans. So we’re scoreless at intermission. Folks, we’re some 5 minutes into our return to the scene of the crime when Davis hooks up with Gilroy Thurton whose grass head burner from the right side consumes Keith Allen as Verdes takes the 1-zip lead. Now make no mistake this is nice work from Franz Vernon Jr. to Stephen Martinez but the desired result remains elusive for the police. On this set piece, Jarret Davis looks to make his presence felt—it’s a good shot at goal. Keith Allen’s response is better. The police desperately seek the equalizer so Byron Usher powers this long distance dial out goal. It shakes the net, but on the wrong side of the upright. Guess what? Verdes holds off the police to hand them their 1st playoff defeat in a scorching 1-zip affair.
Meanwhile, the action resumes this Wednesday. the B.D.F. takes on Belmopan Bandits this time at the People’s Stadium and Verdes will host Police at the Norman Broaster Stadium.
Jah over all, I’m James Adderley.
