A few hours after being knocked off the top position in the T&T Premier Football League (TTPFL) by Defence Force on Thursday night, AC Port of Spain resumed as the leader by beating Central FC 3-2 at the Phase II Recreation Ground in La Horquetta.
In Thursday’s second match of a doubleheader, the men from the capital city produced another commanding performance to earn the three points, despite a fighting Central FC which ended the match-up with two goals.
As expected, the Port of Spain team forged ahead early from John-Paul Rochford in the 37th minute. Despite the AC Port of Spain’s dominance all season long, the Central Sharks, at fifth on the standings, were out to fight, evidenced by their equalising goal from Keron Cummings in the 44th minute from the penalty spot.
It was the start that the Central men, demolished by La Horquetta Rangers 6-1 a week ago, were hoping for.
Later, they took the lead for the first time in the match, courtesy of Kesean St Rose’s 66th-minute goal.
However, the men from the capital city fought back valiantly for the equaliser in the 69th minute from Jamoul Francois. Che Benny sealed the win in the 71st minute with a thunderous freekick that flashed past the goalie for the win.
AC Port of Spain will next face Cunupia FC at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Malabar, Arima. A win will assure them the top spot heading into the CONCACAF Caribbean Shield, while a battle will take place for the second spot between Club Sando (41 points) and Defence Force (43 points).
The second-place team will also contest the CONCACAF Caribbean Shield, while the team that finishes third will play in the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup.
Meanwhile, there were also wins for Police FC, 3-1 over Prison Service FC at the St James Barracks and Point Fortin Civic, who prevailed over Morvant Caledonia United 3-0 at the La Horquetta Recreation Ground.
Talented national midfielder Joevin Jones marked his return to local football with a goal in the 75th minute, which spearheaded the Police winning result.
Thursday’s results
Police FC 3 (Nathaniel Perouse 43 own goal, JoevinJones 75th, Kadeem Hutchinson 90+6) vs Prison Services FC 1 (Akiem Bibby Bailey 70th)
AC PoS 3 (John-Paul Rochford 37th, Jamoul Francois 69th, Che Benny 71st) vs Central FC 2 (Keron Cummings 44th, Kesean St Rose 66th)
Point Fortin Civic 3 (Wesley John 9th, Tyrell Emmanuel 28th, Shackiel Henry 86th) vs Morvant Caledonia United 0
Defence Force 2 (Dwight Quintero 35th, Hashim Arcia 90+2) vs Club Sando 0
Rangers 4 (Nathaniel Garcia 29th, Junior Assoon 31st, Daniel David 46th, Tyrik Lee 90+3) vs Cunupia FC 1 (Luke Boucaud 35th)
W Connection 2 (Neil Benjamin 13th, Jahmalee Barclay 90+4) vs Jabloteh 2 (Kevon Woodley 45+1, 59th)
STANDINGS
TEAM*P*W*D*L*F*A*GD*PTS
1*AC PoS*17*15*0*2*48*13*35*45
2*Defence Force*17*14*1*2*40*11*29*43
3*Club Sando*17*13*2*2*36*16*20*41
4*Rangers*17*12*1*3*49*19*30*37
5*Police FC*16*8*1*7*30*27*3*25
6*Central FC*17*8*1*8*30*32*-2*25
7*W Connection*17*5*4*8*17*23*-6*19
8*Point Fortin Civic*16*4*3*9*12*20*-8*15
9*Morvant Caledonia*16*3*2*11*17*40*-23*11
10*Prison Service*17*3*2*12*10*42*-32*11
11*San Juan Jaboloteh*17*2*3*12*19*39*-20*9
12*Cunupia FC*17*2*2*13*10*36*-26*8