[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he grand launch of the Spider Cup took place on Sunday at the Corinth Playing Field. This tournament is sponsored by the parliamentary representative, Lenard “Spider” Montoute.
The day started with newly promoted SLSO Monchy United vs Flow Lancers. In what was expected to be an easy win for Monchy United, Flow Lancers made it extremely difficult. Flow Lancers attacked in numbers and created a few chances, but Monchy’s goal keeper, Jonas Maxius kept his team in the game.
By the half way mark in first half, the level of fitness of both teams became apparent under the hot blistering sun. Monchy seemed to be the fitter and more composed team. With some high pressing, Troy Greenidge was eventually brought down in the 18 yard box with a poor tackle by number three of Flow Lancers who played in the left back position.
Everton Lambert stepped up for the penalty and executed it brilliantly with well-placed shot in the far right corner.
Five minutes before half time, Nicholas Taliban Lawrence found the back of the net with a lovely volley which rocketed in the bottom left corner of the goal. First half ended 2-0 In favor of Monchy United.
The second half did not offer much on either side. The score stayed the same with both teams failing in the final third of the game albeit, with some great defensive work by both teams. SLSO Monchy United went home with all three points when the final whistle was blown.
The second encounter between KFC GMC and Northern United was mouthwatering to say the least. GMC being the defending champions had everything to prove that they were indeed the best against a Northern United Club that is currently in the First Division tier of St Lucian football.
Both teams pressed high and hard searching for that opening goal to calm down nerves. The first goal eventually came from the boys in green (Northern United), when Gabriel Biscette whipped one low and hard deep into the 18 yard area, which passed under Caster James’ feet.
Ten minutes later GMC got the opportunity to equalize from a penalty call which was caused by John Perry of Northern United, when he brought down Nelson Nelson in the penalty area. Tonius Simon stepped up and executed for GMC equalizing 1-1 ending the first half at a stalemate.
In the second half, both teams continued the free flowing football we have grown to see in Gros Islet. Northern United finally took the lead again with a brilliant attacking play in the final third of the game.
Elijah Louis of Northern United found himself in the perfect position to receive a cross from the left hand side of the pitch from Gabriel Biscette, to get one past the GMC goal keeper who thought he had the goal covered.
GMC kept pressing which eventually paid off in the 60th minute of play with a well worked play from the right hand side of the pitch which caught the defense off guard. A wonderful cross came into the six yard box to reach Nelson Nelson to pull one back for team GMC.
With scores now at 2-2, both teams decided to go for the kill. Northern United looked more likely to get that final goal as they had more ball possession in the last 15 minutes of the game.
Jonathan “Gangalia” Allain broke the deadlock in the 87th minute to send Northern United home with all three points. Game ended 3-2 In favor of Northern United.
