Dublanc, Dominica: During a match between CCCUL Dublanc FC and Promex Harlem United Sports Club, played at Almond Park on Sunday, 7th May 2023, the home team dominated proceedings.
Despite a 38-minute delay in kickoff, Dublanc started brightly, with Savio Anselm and Felix Anselm Jr. both having early opportunities to score, which they failed to convert.
In the 12th minute, Irving Shillingford released a powerful shot from outside the 18-yard box, which the Harlem goalkeeper saved. However, Dublanc’s persistence paid off in the 20th minute when Savio Anselm provided an excellent through ball to Travis ‘Snake’ Joseph, finishing the chance to give the home team the lead.
Dublanc doubled their lead in the 38th minute when Captain Briel ‘Babel’ Thomas headed in a long throw-in from Felix Anselm Jr. However, Harlem fought back and scored just before half-time with a brilliant free-kick from Audel Laville, making it 2-1 to Dublanc at half-time.
At the start of the second half, Dublanc substituted, bringing on Myrric Shillingford for Rohan Maronie in midfield. The snake had an opportunity in the 53rd minute after beating a defender with speed and strength. Skilfully dribbled past the keeper, but good covering from a supporting defender denied him the chance to score.
Unfortunately, Dublanc suffered a setback when their keeper, Jerome Burkard, sustained a head injury. It took 30 minutes for emergency services to arrive and transport him to the hospital, leading to the match being abandoned.
However, the match recommenced on Sunday, 14th May 2023, with Dublanc substituting two. Jaheim Cuffy replaced the injured Burkard in goal, and Shikel St. Marie came on for an ill Tristane Shillingford. Dublanc was determined to win from the resumption of play.
In the 57th minute, Felix Anselm Jr. put another long throw into the box, and the nearest defender blocked Babel’s headed effort, but the ball fell back perfectly to his feet, and he made no mistake in navigating it into the back of the net.
Dublanc maintained their intensity, fighting for every ball, communicating at every moment, and holding on for a 3-1 victory.
The victory came at the cost of losing their first-choice keeper, but it was inspiring to see Burkard watching from the sidelines, which undoubtedly boosted his teammates.
Young Jaheim Cuffy did a fantastic job between the sticks, showing a high level of experience by slowing the game down when he could.
Travis Joseph also deserves credit for his solid performance in the left-back position, demonstrating his versatility and team-first mentality on the field.
