THE excitement is at an all-time high amongst the various district teams participating in the2018 Blackheart Production/Saint Lucia Football Association Knockout sanctioned tournament.
In the last round of the preliminary stage scheduled for Saturday 22nd September at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds; In game 1 of a double header, from 6.00 p.m. former champions Micoud will take on Soufriere and defending champions Vieux Fort North will start their title defense against La Clery at 8.00 p.m.
To date, Central Castries, Dennery, Marchand and Mabouya Valley have all booked their tickets to the quarterfinal round of the tournament which starts on Sunday 23rd at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort.
Last evening, the La Ressource playing field was ablaze as former champions Canaries took on Laborie at 6.00 p.m and another former champion team Gros Islet played Desresseaux at 8.00 p.m.
In a pre-match interview with head coach of the Desresseaux team, Mon Chery said,
Going to press last evening there was no final word as to which team advanced to the quarterfinal round which starts on Sunday 23rd at the PMG, but whichever team that advance would have earned the right to do so.
The 2018 Blackheart Knockout Tournament got on the way in front of an absolutely bumper crowd at the La Resource Playing Field. On the opening night, Saturday 15th, former finalist Central Castries defeated Roseau Valley 1-0 a goal scored by Jason Similien in the 75th minute.
In Game 2, Three time champions Dennery took on 2011 champions Anse La Raye. Marlon Gilbert had an absolutely outstanding first half as he score twice in the 5th and 44th minute, while Thaddeus Faucher sealed the deal in the 45th minute to secure an impressive 3-0 victory.
On Sunday 16th, Marchand defeated the National U20 team 2-1 in a penalty shootout after the scores were locked at 3-3 after regulation time. Nyrone Winter put the National U20 in the lead in the first two minutes of the game. Marchand drew blood as their most experience player Lincoln Phillip double strikes in the 11th and 20th ending the first half with one goal advantage.
On the resumption, National U 20 player Dillon Fanis gave one of the best crosses you will see from a corner to find the head of Daniel Biscette in the 71st minute of play bringing the scores to 2-2. Marchand quickly replied with a goal from Lamar George from a corner kick in the 84th minute. At this time Marchand saw light at the end of the tunnel but substitute Al Charles made it 3-3 with some wonderful skill on the left flank to weep one pass Shem Donnerly in the 88th. Game ended 3-3.
Game 2, Mabouya Valley in front of their home support defeated Vieux Fort North 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the scores were locket at 1-1 after regulation time. For Mabouya Valley, Leaus Alphonse (Captain) put his team in the lead in 14th minute; while Darcus Jules equalized in the 64th minute of play.
