Kareem Baptiste netted a hat trick in the 24th, 36th, and 62nd minutes to lead Tier II champs of the T&T Premier Football League Harlem Strikers to a 9-0 thrashing of Miscellaneous Laventille when the action resumed on Saturday (February 1) at Frederick Settlement in Caroni.
It was the first win for the defending champions after losses to Police 2-0 in their first game and a similar margin of defeat to Queen’s Park in their second match of the season.
Apart from Baptiste’s heroics, Jiron Francis also scored a brace in the 60th and 75th minutes, while the other goals came from Jaheim Ashby (21st), Ryan Porter (30th), Jabari Andall (86th), and Ross Dowden (89th minute).
Newcomers Malabar Youngstars got yet another victory upon their entry into the tournament, this time a 2-1 victory over Tobagonians Carnbee/Mt Pleasant at home in Malabar, Arima. Gerald Meloney opened the scoring for the Malabar youths from the penalty spot in the 16th minute. And later he sealed the win in the 71st minute after Nave Roach got the equaliser in the 42nd minute.
SATURDAY’S (Feb 1) RESULTS
Malabar Yongstars 2 (Gerald Meloney pen 16, 71st) vs Carnbee/Mt Pleasant FC 1 (Nave Roach pen 42nd)
UTT Tier 2 3 (Malachi Hazel 18th, 59th, Kaylon Williams 85th) vs Sidey SC- 1 (Kyle Davidson 73rd)
Harlem strikers 9 (Jaheim Ashby 21st, Kareem Baptiste 24th, 36th, 62nd, Ryan Porter 30th, Jiron Francis 60th, 75th, Jabari Andall 86th, Ross Dowden 89th) vs Miscellaneous Laventille 0
Union Hall United 0 vs Club Sando 0
San Fernando Giants 3 (Arkido Joseph 45+1, Daniel Craig 52nd, Juma Clarence 79th) vs Evolution FC 1 (Gabriel Nash 37th)