Last Saturday, it was Blast FC versus SKHY in Talparo, the home of Blast. The game was carded for 6.00pm. Talparo, a nice, serene village in the eastern section of the country, minimal vehicles on the road and truly refreshing country air. The ground was small, hard and a bit bumpy, which always makes for an interesting game for the SKHY outfit as they are a team that likes to put the ball on the ground and move it around. From inspection, this surface did not look conducive for such play, but we would soon find out. The first 10 – 15 minutes of the match was played at a frenetic pace with Blast FC hustling and closing down the ball when SKHY was is possession, in every section of the field. This was also accompanied by some hefty tackles. Blast as the saying goes, “Were taking no prisoners.” They were a very fit and strong outfit; playing the long ball with a couple of quick strikers on top to harass the SKHY defenders and continually give them something to think about. What a game! Blast literally seemingly trying to blast (not to pun on the word) SKHY out of the ground and SKHY trying to keep their composure, put the ball on the ground and move it around quickly.

Slowly, SKHY could be seen coming into their own and beginning to dominate possession, but with Blast always being a threat with the quickies on top ready to counter attack. Blast were the first to draw blood. A long ball from the back to the left side of the SKHY defense, which the defender failed to handle effectively, with the Blast attacker breathing down his back. The striker steals the ball and calmly slots it to the left hand side of the SKHY custodian, Tarik Hopkins, who dived in vain. Blast FC up 1-0 in the 25^th minute. This did not seem to phase SKHY, as the guys went about their business as usual with a certain sense of calm. Still having the higher percentage of possession and continuing to apply more and more pressure on Blast. SKHY won a corner. From the ensuing set piece, which worked like a charm, space was created just outside the 6yd for a flying header from Kevaughn John, with the ball hitting the back of the net before the goalkeeper could react, 1-1 in the 40^th minute.

The question for the second half was, “Could both of these teams keep up this pace for another 45 minutes?” The answer would be soon forthcoming. From the 15 minutes rest, both teams were regenerated. They came out fast. Same pattern as the first half, but as the half went on, Blast FC players could be seen to be not as enthusiastic. SKHY applied more and more pressure and created chances which were spurned. This they could have regretted on a couple of occasions as Blast also had a couple of opportunities which there strikers should have buried. Instead, they lost composure and shot over the crossbar. In the 75^th minute the game was sealed by Jimmelle Ramkissoon. The midfielder dribbled Blast’s left back, then cut inside, dribbled the stopper and unleashed a right footed drive into the top corner of the far post, giving Blast’s custodian no chance. A goal deserving of being a match winner. SKHY has now played 5 games in the league, won 4 and drawn 1.