Computec Spurs defeats Ghetto Youths 1-0

Football and true community spirit were the winners, when the Social Investment Fund Sharpes Inter Village Nine-a-Side Football Competition, climaxed last Sunday afternoon at the Redemption Sharpes Playing Field.{{more}}

Thronged by a sea of spectators at the basin like venue, it was a clash of Top Sharpes represented by Browne’s Hardware Ghetto Youths and Computec Spurs, carrying the hopes of Bottom Sharpes.

The occasion though, seemed to have overawed the teams, as neither found their footing in the early part of the match, as a stalemate ended the first period of play.

Both teams failed to convert their chances into goal scoring opportunities.

A half time parade by the supporters of Spurs, complemented by J’ Ouvert type characters, seemed to have worked to increase enthusiasm among the players.

Rohan Stephens awoke the crowd with a well-placed shot in the early part of the second half. This gave Spurs the ascendancy.

Spurs’ captain, Martin King, made some changes which almost proved detrimental, as his defence became porous. However, the Ghetto Youths marksmen, including the competition top goal scorer, Dwight Clifton, was unable to get past former national custodian, Urtis Blackette, between the uprights for Spurs.

Spurs held on, albeit by the skin of their teeth until the final whistle, much to the delight of their supporters – a contrast to the glum faces of those in the corner of the much-fancied Ghetto Youths.

Spurs walked away with a $1,000, as well as the winner’s trophy and the Challenge Shield, while Ghetto Youths secured $700.

Ghetto Youths took most of the awards, with Clifton being the top goal scorer in the Under-17 age group, as well as in the entire competition. And, for good measure, the former national Under-17 player, was voted the Most Outstanding Under-17 player and the overall Most Outstanding Player of the competition.

Clifton’s teammates, Goalkeeper Renrick Haynes and Reynold John were adjudged Best Goalkeeper and Most Disciplined Player respectively. John was given a Special Award, the Simeon Alexis Award, also, for scoring what was considered the best goal of the competition.

Foreign Based Youths, was the Most Disciplined Team, with FIFA accredited Assistant Referee Samuel Jack, awarded for being the Most Committed match official.

Avenues, which placed third in the competition, and who collected $300 for their effort, emerged the winner of Zone A.

Young and promising player of Avenues, Christopher Francis was the recipient of a pair of football boots, from Dexter Walker, a former St. Vincent and the Grenadines player.

The popular Rodney’s Trucking High Street topped Zone B.

Revived after a ten-year absence, the Football competition is expected to be an annual affair, as the organizers, the Sharpes Educational, Sports and Cultural Organisation (SECSCO), seek to foster a better relationship among the youths of the area.