In a thrilling TT Premier Football League encounter at Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation ground on January 16, San Juan Jabloteh secured a decisive 4-2 victory against Eagles FC, largely powered by former Defence Force striker Isaiah “Bongo” Leacock’s exceptional performance. The recently transferred forward demonstrated his scoring prowess with two crucial goals, bringing his personal tally to four since joining Jabloteh earlier this month.
The match dynamics unfolded with Leacock initiating the scoring in the 19th minute with a precise finish past Eagles goalkeeper Akiel Seifert. Jabloteh strengthened their position when Jadel Carter’s unfortunate own goal doubled their advantage in the 27th minute. Leacock further cemented Jabloteh’s dominance just before halftime, calmly converting a 44th-minute penalty to establish a commanding 3-0 lead.
Eagles FC displayed resilience in the second half as Josiah Edwards narrowed the deficit with a 61st-minute strike. However, Jabloteh’s strategic recruitment continued to pay dividends when another new signing, Caden Trestrail—also formerly of Defence Force—restored the three-goal margin in the 68th minute. Despite a late consolation goal from Eagles’ prolific winger Dominic Douglas in the 88th minute (his eighth of the campaign, making him joint-top league scorer), Jabloteh secured all three points, climbing from eighth to seventh position in the standings.
In the accompanying double-header fixture, Miscellaneous Police FC missed a critical opportunity to draw level with league leaders Defence Force, settling for a 1-1 draw against fourth-placed Prisons FC. Jabari Mitchell’s 23rd-minute opener for Police was neutralized by Kevon Williams’ 48th-minute equalizer, replicating his Boxing Day heroics when he secured Prisons’ previous 1-0 victory against the same opponents.
The TTPFL action was scheduled to continue on January 17 at Tobago’s Dwight Yorke Stadium, featuring bottom-placed 1976 FC Phoenix against Caledonia AIA, followed by leaders Defence Force confronting last season’s runners-up MIC Central FC Reboot.