Sando, Army keep chase as Police hold firm in TTPFL

The Trinidad and Tobago Premier Football League (TTPFL) reached its midway point with an electrifying round of matches on January 3, setting the stage for a tense championship battle. Miscellaneous Police FC preserved their precarious one-point advantage at the summit despite intense pressure from pursuing rivals.

Facing bottom-dwelling Terminix La Horquetta Rangers, Police FC demonstrated championship mentality with a commanding second-half performance. The league leaders broke the deadlock through Joevin Jones’ 50th-minute penalty conversion, followed by decisive strikes from Jabari Mitchell (54th) and Martieon Watson (77th). This comprehensive 3-0 victory extended Rangers’ defensive woes, marking their 23rd concession this season.

Club Sando maintained their pursuit with clinical efficiency, overcoming 1976 FC Phoenix 2-0 through late heroics. Shackeil Henry’s 85th-minute breakthrough preceded Luke Phillips’ injury-time finish, keeping the southern giants within striking distance while boasting the league’s superior goal difference at +19.

Defending champions Defence Force FC navigated a stern challenge from San Juan Jabloteh, emerging 3-1 victors in a tactical duel at Couva’s Ato Boldon Stadium. Kaihim Thomas’ early penalty (4th minute) was neutralized by Isaiah Leacock’s equalizer just before halftime. The Army/Coast Guard combination showcased their championship pedigree with second-half dominance, as Isaiah Garcia’s 68th-minute finish and Kevin Molino’s 85th-minute clincher secured three crucial points.

Prison Service FC reinforced their dark horse status with a 3-1 dismissal of Point Fortin Civic. Kyron Williams’ early opener was briefly canceled by Akeem Redhead’s penalty, but an immediate own goal and Weslie John’s 76th-minute sealer maintained Prisons’ fourth-place positioning.

The Central FC versus AC Port of Spain encounter yielded a 1-1 stalemate that hampered both clubs’ title aspirations. Daneil Cyrus’ 19th-minute header was quickly neutralized by Maurice Dick’s equalizer, with substitute Jaeden Bobb squandering a golden opportunity for AC POS late.

In a spectacular goal-fest, FC Eagles claimed their second consecutive victory by outlasting Morvant Caledonia United 4-3. Overcoming a two-goal deficit, the Cunupia outfit mounted a spectacular second-half resurgence through Dominic Douglas (57th), Josiah Edwards (66th), and veteran Ataullah Guerra (85th), surviving a nervy finale after Malachai Celestine’s stoppage-time consolation.

The TTPFL resumes on January 9 with Round 12, as the title race continues to intensify.