In a dramatic TT Premier Football League showdown on January 21, MIC Central FC mounted a resilient comeback to hold league leaders Defence Force to a 2-2 draw at Phase 2 La Horquetta Recreation Grounds. The match, a rescheduled fixture between last season’s runners-up and defending champions, delivered intense action and strategic gameplay.
Defence Force appeared poised to extend their dominance after securing a 1-0 victory in the teams’ previous encounter on January 17 at Dwight Yorke Stadium, where central defender Shirwin Noel’s spectacular strike decided the outcome.
The Army/Coast Guard combination established early control with winger Tyrese Bailey opening the scoring in the 17th minute. Central FC responded with determination as defender Alvin Jones leveled the score in the 35th minute, marking his inaugural goal of the season. Bailey restored Defence Force’s advantage just before halftime, capitalizing on stoppage time to complete his brace and establish a 2-1 lead.
The second half saw Defence Force pressing to widen their table lead, but Central FC’s persistence paid dividends when veteran striker Kadeem Corbin delivered the decisive blow in the 76th minute. Corbin’s clinical finish secured a valuable point for his team and prevented Defence Force from creating a five-point cushion at the summit.
In the accompanying La Horquetta double-header, 1976 FC Phoenix replicated their previous success against Caledonia AIA with another 2-0 victory. Javon Williams broke the deadlock in the 20th minute before midfielder Ammari Alleyne sealed the result with a 52nd-minute strike. This fourth triumph of the campaign propelled Phoenix from tenth to ninth position in the twelve-team standings.
The draw leaves Defence Force atop the table with 33 points from 13 matches, maintaining a three-point advantage over second-place Club Sando (30 points), while Police FC occupies third position with 27 points. Central FC remains in sixth place with 18 points, demonstrating their capacity to challenge the league’s elite teams.