Georgetown edge Linden
-Kashif and Shanghai opener
By Steve Ninvalle
Stabroek News
December 9, 2003
Two to one: Former national captain Terrence Archer (right) is about to take on two Upper Demerara defenders during Sunday's supporting game between Georgetown Masters and Linden. (Photo by Lawrence Fanfair)
Linden received another beating from Georgetown, who now seem to be their favourite teachers, when the 14th annual Kashif and Shanghai football competition kicked off at the MSC ground on Sunday.
In the feature game of the double-header card George-town returned home with the $70,000 first prize after defeating the host team 2-1 in a match which was forced into sudden-death extra time.
The close encounter saw the visiting team trailing 1-0 going into the second half after overseas-based striker `John' Wayne Milo struck late in the first session.
On a wet and slippery outfield national Under-23 striker Gregory `Jackie Chan' Richardson equalised for the youthful visitors late in the second segment.
The game started at a slow pace but picked up momentum in the second half in which Georgetown played a much more purposeful match.
In front of one of the largest crowds ever to witness a Kashif and Shanghai opening game Milo gave the Linden crowd something to celebrate when he beat national goalkeeper Marlon Hendricks after collecting a pass from Charles `Valderama' Rose.
Georgetown's coach Wayne Dover introduced Eron Hayde and fellow goal-hungry striker Devon Millington in the second half and the game immediately swung in the Garden City's favour.
The two assisted in distributing the ball and were instrumental in several raids on the Linden defence marshalled by Marlon Maxius.
In the 77th minute Richardson collected a pass from Hayde, sprinted into the box, before firing a shot which beat custodian Fidel Smith.
The host team did not let up and continued to press to regain the lead, but in vain. The issue was sealed when defender Darren Smith, trying to clear the ball from the goal area only managed to head the ball into his own goal in the 97th minute.
The Upper Demerara team collected $30,000 for their effort. Georgetown had won the last encounter between the two sides.
The evening got off to a good start for Linden after a master's team representing the mining town took care of a lineup from the Garden City 3-2.
Former national captain Michael McKinnon was on target twice for the winning side while Dwayne Peters booted in the other goal. Peters opened in the 14th minute and McKinnon made it 2-0 for Linden when he struck in the 45th minute of the 70-minute game.
Selwyn Bailey responded for Georgetown with a goal two minutes later but McKinnon again extended the lead with a goal in the 52nd minute. Bailey returned in the 59th minute to complete a double.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Gail Teixeira, Opposition Leader Robert Corbin, and Regional Chairman of Region Ten Mortimer Mingo, among other dignitaries.
In delivering the feature address the minister heaped praise on the Kashif and Shanghai organisation for a job well done. The minister declared that government was supportive of the venture.
Corbin also applauded the efforts of the organisation and saluted the initiative to include the fight against HIV/AIDS in the competition.
The knockout segment of the competition starts this Sunday at the same venue when defending champions Fruta Conquerors take on Net Rockers in the feature event. In the supporting game the clash is between two former champions - Milerock and Swiss House Victoria Kings.