Unlucky
Watanga Falls to Oilers
February 28, 2006
Premiership champions LPRC-Oilers began their championship defense
with an unconvincing 1-0 victory over an unlucky Watanga FC in the
opening of the LFA 2006 national league.
Upon the blast of referee Stanley Kona's whistle, the last season
first division runners-up who paraded a rejuvenated squad began to
take the game to the Oil boys. Their effort paid off as early as the
seventh minute when they were awarded a penalty.
A rather uncharacteristic clearance by Sackey Doe turned in his own
goal area which later became a duel between towering defender David
Tweh and Watanga's dreadlocked striker Adama Coleman, formerly of
Mighty Barrolle.
It however turned to a misfortune for the former when his sliding
tackle caused the ball to land on his hand for a penalty. The spot
kick was however wasted over the by-line by the ex-Blue Angels
defender cum midfielder George Bissau.
The Oilers, who had a week earlier ended their CAF championship first
leg tie goalless against Senegalese club Jaraaf, looked unconvincing
and ordinary in the opening clash against Watanga.
Former LISCR playmaker Victor Nyanti squandered two chances, with the
second been the closest. A defense splitting pass from Abraham Karmo
put Nyanti with only the goal keeper to beat, but his effort went
miles over the cross bar in the 29th minute.
Without captain Shelton Barlee, the Oilers defense marshaled by
national team captain Varmah Kpoto had to work over time to contain
the speedy front line of the opponents.
During the second stanza, both sides tried to make in roads as means
of rotating the score line. And, the most intriguing moment came when
a long range effort from Nicodemus Jacobs hit the wood work. David
Tweh headed the rebound which was saved by formerly Karn United goalie
George Pratt.
After several misses from Watanga, Oilers were awarded a penalty
against the run of play when a cross from substitute Jenkins landed on
the hand of a defender who attempted to make a clearance.
The resultant penalty was slotted home by shot stopper Saylee Swen to
end the match 1-0 in Oilers favor.
In the first pairing of the day, defending female champions Titoe
Sisters began the campaign on an impressive note, thanks to an
emphatic 4-0 trouncing of Blanco FC.
However, the flood gate opened when the losers scored an own goal
through Theresa Rose.
This was later followed by a brace from the inventive Princess Koffa
and a solitary strike from Patience Williams.
Meanwhile, the league continues Wednesday at several venues around the
country.
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