Kickstart Rush recovered from a one goal deficit to defeat a youthful Abrahams United Silver Sands 3-1 and register their first three points of the Barbados Football Association Premier League season on Thursday night.
Playing at Friendship Ground in Hothersal Turning, Silver Sands took the lead, to the surprise of many. Striker Shavari Greenidge-Lewis controlled a six-yard pass in the 14th minute, turned past his marker and delivered an inside-out right foot finish. There was nothing Kickstart young goalkeeper Benjamin Everett could have done to stop the ball from hitting the back of the net.
It was just the type of start that Silver Sands coach and former national player Paul ‘Soup’ Lovell needed from his young chargers.
While Silver Sands celebrated, their smiles faded because a minute later Kickstart striker Shaquille Layne spoiled the party in the 15th minute when he scored the equaliser.
Kickstart coach Renaldo Gilkes perhaps felt a lot more settled knowing that his team had managed to level the scores going into halftime. Unfortunately for Kickstart, they lost Sachin Cox to a broken nose, sustained during the first half. He was replaced by Chris Williams, who made an impact in the 71st minute with a goal.
Ironically, Silver Sands had just missed a great opportunity to take the lead when a wonderful right corner taken by Tyreque Nurse made connection with Shakado Scott taking a powerful shot that flew over the top cross bar.
Silver Sands paid the ultimate price for that squandered opportunity because seconds later Kickstart took a 2-1 lead. It all unfolded when a ball floated in from the right found substitute Williams for a fantastic finish into the left bottom corner. Silver Sands goalkeeper Shemariah Batson, making some outstanding saves earlier in the game, was unmoved on this occasion. The goal was then followed by a penalty taken by Carl Hinkson in the 89th minute after he was senselessly brought down just outside the 18-yard box.
Kickstart with their strong attacking third also comprising Luke Humphrey, Shad Parris, Tekyle Alleyne-Callender, Jaylan Gilkes, and Kamari Johnson did well to control possession.
Silver Sands at times did well to intercept some of the passes through the midfield channel but did not go on to capitalise.
During the second and final game, Paradise hammered Deacons 5-1 thanks to a brace from Kimani Cox in the 60th and 65 minutes along with a goal each from Mark Bushell (27th), Rojae Collins (30th), and Joshua Browne (38th).
Deacons managed to score in the 83rd minute off a penalty taken by Captain Keon Atkins but without a doubt the night belonged to Paradise. (AS)
The post Strong Kickstart comeback earns first premier league win appeared first on Barbados Today.
