Northern United football title guaranteed

Nothing is guaranteed in life except death, taxes and maybe Super J Northern United All Stars winning the Gros Islet Football League District Representative Football Finals. They won their fourth consecutive title Thursday evening on the Gros Islet Playing Field with a 5-1 win over bitter rivals Orion.

This finals victory was icing on the cake for Northern United. On December 5 they also won the Gold Division Championship of the St Lucia Football Association Championship.

Thursday night’s game was a tale of two halves. Northern United opened the scoring but then Rafferty Nolien equalized for Orion making good on a penalty kick. After that it was total domination by Northern United. They led 3-1 at the half and went on to win 5-1.

Troy Greenidge led the way for the winning side with two goals with single markers went to Everton Lambert, Eden Charles and Dillon Joseph.

No doubt about it there is an intense rivalry between the two teams which Manager of Northern United All Stars, Cuthbert Elisee, acknowledged after the game.

“When the two teams meet they always try and bring out the best in each other,” he said. “We are a better side but what goes for them is that they intimidate our players.”

The intimidation factor especially on the part of Nolien who played a physical game didn’t work. He was eventually ejected from the game.

Greenidge again received kudos from his manager for playing a strong game and carrying the team just as he did in the SLFA Gold Division Championship game.

Prior to the finals was the third place playoff between Monchy and Caye Manger. After regular time the score was 1-1. Monchy eventually won 3-0 on penalty kicks.

Following the finals there was a medal and trophy presentation ceremony. During his brief address, Minister of Sports and District Representative, Lenard Montoute said: “It was indeed a pleasure for me once again to be associated with the Gros Islet Football Competition, but this time completing our first season under flood lights. I think you will agree with me the lights have made a tremendous difference in the promotion of sports in Gros Islet.”

Montoute has bigger plans for this year when it comes to football. He announced that next year’s season will not only see the Gros Islet Football League competition, but will incorporate a junior one to attract youngsters to preserve and maintain the future of football in Gros Islet.

Totally impressed with the effect flood lights have had on sports in Gros Islet, Montoute said he is encouraged as Parliamentary Representative to continue the program of lighting our sports facilities.