The first is usually special but so was the second after Central FC, led by new coach Zoran Vranes, retained its First Citizens Cup (FCC) title on Friday night by edging North East Stars 1-0 in the final.The "Couva Sharks" captain and midfielder Leston Paul scored the winner in the 65th minute for Vranes' first title in charge in a final that could have gone either way at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.
Following a move by Ataullah Guerra in midfield, Paul was played in by the "Soca Warriors" midfielder, and with time and space above the area the Central FC captain sent a low right-footer past a fully sprawled Stars' goalkeeper Cleon John, hitting the inside of the far upright before the ball made its way into the back of the net.Paul, a former T&T Under-17 and Under-20 World Cup captain, had earlier struck wide of the target in the 49th minute and in a stoppage-time counterattack the midfielder sent an effort inches wide of completing a double on the night.
Last season, under the then charge of coach Terry Fenwick, Central defeated Defence Force 2-1 to hoist the illustrious title, and in the process the young club's first top flight domestic title.Prior to the start of the FCC tournament, earlier this month, Central midfielder Sean de Silva said, "We are definitely very eager to defend this title especially being the first one; being very meaningful and very important to the club."
Central journeyed to this year's final via kicks from the spot, defeating Point Fortin Civic 3-2 on penalties in the quarterfinal round following a 1-1 draw, before overcoming Police FC 3-1 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in the semifinal round.Talented and experienced T&T goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams, who was superb in both penalty shootouts with three saves on both occasions, was eventually named the "Player of the Tournament" while Vranes was named "Coach of the Tournament". Central captured the host of personal accolades including the $100,000 winners' prize, while North East Stars walked away with the $20,000 runners-up prize.
Vranes' side had a couple first half free kicks but failed to really trouble Stars' goalkeeper John, who made a comfortable take on a De Silva kick early on before veteran midfielder-turned-defender Marvin Oliver struck over bar on his dead-ball effort in the 34th minute.Three minutes later, the "Couva Sharks" looked good on a counterattack with forward Dwight Quintero but his attempt to get Paul involved, only forced the momentum into a u-turn allowing the Angus Eve coach-North East Stars to recover.Central finally forced a save out of John in the 59th minute when a cheeky Oliver flick off a De Silva corner had to be kept out by the Stars' goalie at near post.
Central had another set piece moments later when defender Marcelle Francois struck wide before the Leston Paul goal finally came just over the hour mark.The "Grande Stars", backed by their travelling posse and rhythm section nestled among the hundreds of spectators, including Central supporters, that turned up for the event, had an great opening in the 63rd minute. However forward Tyrone Charles, with Kennedy Hinkson available inside the area, opted to go for goal himself and was denied by Williams.Williams' goal was under threat again in the 76th minute but midfielder Keron Cummings spilled his effort high over bar after slipping in the Central area.
In the final minute of regular time, Hinkson miscued inside the six-yard area as he too failed to rescue the Sangre Grande club with a late equaliser.Hinkson was involved again in the dying stages when his dangerous cross from the right forced a push behind by Williams and following the resulting corner, Central were lucky to see Hinkson's deflected effort fly wide.North East Stars and Central FC will both return to action in the 2014-2015 Digicel Pro League on Tuesday in Round One Match Day Four.Central will face Police FC from 8 pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium following a 6 pm clash between defending league champions W Connection and last season's table propping St Ann's Rangers.North East Stars will take on San Juan Jabloteh from 8 pm at the Marvin Lee Stadium following a 6 pm meet between Defence Force and Caledonia at the Macoya venue, while Point Fortin Civic sits out on the bye.
First Citizens Cup 2014 Final
Central FC 1 (Leston Paul 65th) vs North East Stars 0
Honour Roll
Coach of the tournament - Zoran Vranes (Central FC)
Player of the tournament - Jan-Michael Williams (Central FC)