Following a magnificent return to football last week in the heart of the Caribbean, the CML was back in action this weekend and much like with the opening fixtures the fans were treated to some hard-hitting action yet again, with everything from the league’s first ever own goal, an incredible defensive display and even a hat-trick amongst other things. Only nine goals were shared amongst the six fixtures on offer, but that didn’t mean there was a lack of entertainment on a scorching afternoon in the Caribbean.
Although they have one of the smallest pools of players in the league, Wes Carter’s Dominica Dominoes pulled off quite possibly the biggest result of the CML so far as they made it two wins from two thanks to a spunky 1-0 win away at Papa Doc Parc. Lining-up with a classic 4-4-2 formation, Doms sat back and absorbed the pressure from Vodou People before being treated to a goal courtesy of Malcolm Joseph yet again getting involved at the high end of the field. The big centre-back won’t be credited with his second in two, as it was ruled to be an own goal from goalie Guerry Romondt, but that won’t matter one jot to the visitors who then sat and defended for their lives in the second-half. Only two teams won their opening couple of matches and few would have predicted Doms to be one of them.
Perhaps less surprising, yet not expected, was to see that the Republican Rabbits grabbed another win in a game that was 50-50 in everything except goals. Will Clark’s Limbo Leopards had the best of the action for large spells of the game but their defence just could not do anything about Colombian striker Juan Guillermo Vélez as he helped himself to a couple of first-half goals and then completed the 3-1 victory with a fine hat-trick third. Just seconds after his opener from a free-kick, Josimar Belgrave had equalised after a nice header, but Vélez was inspired and managed two with his own head to continue his rich early form. It has been a sterling start from the Dominica teams, which should make their derby day match in a couple of weeks very tasty. You can hear how Tom felt by listening to his post-match interview.
Meanwhile in Aruba we’d see a very professional victory from Ajax Oranjestad as they didn’t linger on the disappointment of their opening day away defeat against Moko-Jumbies FC. Those demons were put to bed in comfortable fashion as a second-half goal from Josh Gross and an Owen van der Wijne penalty saw the Oranje Boys past Bajan Boppers. James Bennett’s Bop 2 da Top had plenty of possession but with only three shots on target it was a fairly toothless display, particularly from Saint Lucian winger Noah Nicholas who bagged their winner last time out. Elsewhere, Jamrock Juniors got off the mark against early strugglers Redonda Rockys thanks to an early Nazime Matalie-Grant goal, Suriname Sharks grabbed a 1-0 home win against Bermuda Tempest and Spicy Doves limped through a poor goalless game at Cécile Park against Moko-Jumbies FC.
The mouthwatering tie of matchday three is bound to be in Jamaica as leaders Republican Rabbits face another tough away day against Jamrock Juniors. Dominoes have the chance to maintain their 100% record as they host the rock bottom Redonda Rockys, whilst Spicy Doves and Limbo Leopards will travel to Bajan Boppers and Suriname Sharks respectively looking for a first win. The fixture list for next week is completed with Bermuda Tempest versus Ajax Oranjestad and Moko-Jumbies taking on Vodou people as both sides look to consolidate their places in the top-half.
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