GMC United consolidated second place in Group A, while defending champions Northern United also got their second win in a row to strengthen their position in Group B, when action in the Kenson Casimir Bay Bay Cup football tournament continued at the Francis Baba Lastic Playing Field on Sunday, February 8.
Defending national club champions GMC handed guest team and Group A leaders New Generation FC their first loss in three games, coming from behind to win 2-1.
Yanic Noel put New Generation ahead in the 18th minute, after a defensive blunder gave him just enough space to operate.
Just as they did in their midweek derby win over Dominators, GMC picked up their game in the second half, scoring both goals from set pieces with Jayden Etienne striking directly from a corner to level the score, before captain Tonius Simon secured the game-winner from the penalty spot.
GMC aren’t confirmed as semifinalists as yet, as they await the outcome of the match between Gros Islet Youth and Dominators FC this Wednesday. Dominators have lost both their games so far, but a big win by Gros Islet Youth could vault the youngsters into the playoffs ahead of the Corinth-based GMC.
GMC head coach Daren Gaspard said the team knew a win would boost their chances of advancing to the final four.
“New Generation started on the front foot, scoring nine goals in their first game, and then another two, so we knew coming into this game, we needed to score goals
“But for me, the first objective was to win the game. So that leaves us with a plus three [goal difference], and we hope the game between Dominators and the Youth, Dominators will grant us a favour and get at least a draw,” Gaspard said.
Bay Bay Cup holders Northern United got goals from Dorian Marcellin, Devonte Herman, and Nicholas Lawrence, en route to a 3-0 halftime cushion against Police. Police’s Tarrique Phillip scored in the 68th minute to cut the deficit, but Justice Germaine made it 4-1 two minutes later.
Police play Gros Islet Veterans on Wednesday to close out Group B. Police, with three points, would need to give the group leaders their first loss in order to have a hope of advancing.
