SVGFF wobbles at Arnos Vale

After successfully negotiating to obtain use of the newly refurbished Arnos Vale Playing Field, the executive of the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) was blown off side for not having refreshments on sale at the facility for patrons last Sunday.{{more}}

Thirsty for football action, spectators had to endure two hours on a steamy Sunday afternoon without being quenched.

Investigations by SEARCHLIGHT reveal an administrative blotch by an executive member caused the faux pas.

But despite the parched throats, the fair sized crowd saw this country’s Under 23 footballers draw even with Christopher Newport University of the USA.

Expectancy was at high more so at football getting the use of the field than anything else.

But the local team looked at sixes and sevens unable to deal with a full sized field, further questioning the continuance of the US $6000 per month pay day plus other benefits to Technical Director Zoran Vranes.

On the other hand, their opponents looked the part stringing passes together and finding their teammates with consummate ease.

It did not take long before the visiting team breached the Vincentians defence. A pin point cross from the left side found a waiting Kyle Allan off the back post, who headed home from close range in the ninth minute.

It took much of the Vincentians’ individual abilities rather than structured coaching to show to the public that they were in the contest.

The Vincentians kept the visitors at bay for the first 45 minutes.

The second half with a few changes made by the home team added a sense of purpose.

Five minutes into the second half, Chester Morgan, on break from studies in Venezuela, sneaked behind the defence to head home the equalizer. From there on in, the Vincentians got a new lease of life and set up camp in the visitors’ half for most of the second period, but failed to capitalise on a tired looking Christopher Newport team.

Sunday’s match was the first in two match series versus the Under-23 outfit preparing for Olympic Qualifiers in September.

The refreshed button was pushed and Sunday’s off the field short comings rectified, the second encounter played on Tuesday ended 3-2 in favour of the home team, to win the Governor General Challenge trophy.

A brace by Lindon Simon in the 71st and 83rd minutes and a 9th minute strike by Thaddeus Velox gave the Under-23 victory. CNU’s goals came by way of an own goal scored in the 10th minute and James Hash’s 20th minute strike.

President of the SVGFF St. Clair Leacock said at last Sunday’s match that the current Under-23 team will form the nucleus of this country’s squad for the 2010 World Cup qualifiers which start early in 2008.

The man instrumental in getting the CNU team here, Governor General His Excellency Sir Frederick Ballantyne remarked at the brief ceremony that preceded Sunday’s encounter that he hoped that partnership between the university and this country will be long lasting one.(RT)