Tuff Dogs 2

Key West Rangers 1

A Robbie Almeida strike midway through the second half proved decisive as Tuff Dogs defeated Key West Rangers in a hotly-contested affair at St. John's Field yesterday.

With the format changed in the Island's premier cup competition this year, the two Commercial sides went head to head in the preliminary round with the winners earning a match against St. George's Colts this upcoming weekend.

The game was far from dull with neither side giving an inch and referee Anthony Mouchette allowing the action to flow from end to end.

It was Dogs who got on the scoresheet first with Pablo Mullings slotting home a penalty on the stroke of half-time after a defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area.

Burton Cox levelled the scores in the 54th minute after the Dogs keeper handled the ball outside of his area. Off the ensuing free kick, Cox rifled home his shot from 18 yards.

Tuff Dogs' game-winning goal came through the most bizarre of circumstances with Almeida getting the final touch to give his side victory.

A long ball to the back post caught the Rangers' keeper off guard and with his height being a key factor he could only manage to push the ball onto the post only for it to rebound back into play.

A scramble for the bouncing ball saw it land to Almeida who deftly flicked it into the net.

With time running out, Rangers threw men forward looking for the equaliser that would save their Cup dreams. However, in the end it was Dogs who would march on and book another FA Cup date.

After the match, Dogs coach Jason Floyd hailed both set of players, saying the game was testament to the capabilities and qualities of Commercial sides.

"It was a well-played match," said Floyd. "It got a little physical towards the end with both sides beginning to tire, but all in all it was a good performance by both sides.

"It's always vital to get the first goal, which we did, so it kind of settled us down a bit as both sides were looking to get the first one. And scoring first sets the tempo of the game and we gained confidence and played a bit better with the goal in our pocket.

"There was good football played today. We have one of the younger squads in the league but today was a good game for the two sides to show what they have and they should be applauded for their efforts.

"Our next fixture will be a tough one with the First Division sides coming into the fold. They will be younger and fitter, and I'm sure they are ready for us.

"We will enjoy this victory today and tomorrow we will refocus on the next match, have a good week of training and come ready to play."

Robin Hood 2

St. George's All-Stars 1

Heavy favourites Robin Hood were made to sweat before coming away with this slim victory over St. George's All-Stars at BAA Field yesterday.

The East Enders actually came close to taking the game into extra-time when a blast from Stevie Dickinson, seemingly heading into the back of the goal, was sensationally pulled down by Hood goalkeeper Jason Simons on the stroke of full-time.

Hood managed to scrape to the finish line on the strength of their two first-half goals from David Outerbridge after 38 minutes and from Des Minors after 41 minutes.

But the scrappy opening half saw Hood struggle to gain any real initiative with the All-Stars, despite their older and tiring players, managing to remain competitive.

When speedy striker Lionel (Tit) Cann scored for the All-Stars after 77 minutes the visitors gained the upper hand and an equaliser always seemed imminent, but time and time again they saw their attacks break down because of a wayward pass.

At the other end Hood were often contained by the solid defending of Lawrence Smith and substitute Shea Pitcher while David Wolffe remained a fighter for Hood in the middle.

Had Dickinson found the net at the end it would have been deserving for the spirited fightback displayed by the All-Stars in the second half.

MR Onions 1

Vasco Mariners 0

A goal by Nick Briggs after 27 minutes was sufficient to give Onions a deserved victory over underdogs Mariners at Lord's yesterday.

Onions dominated the opening half but could only come away with a 1-0 lead at the interval with Mariners' defence refusing to yield.

While Onions called the tune of play, Mariners had their scoring chances in the opening half but Richard Correira just didn't have his scoring boots on – blowing two opportunities by blasting over the bar and completely miskicking when in position to put the ball away.

In the second half, Onions had their chances too with Billy Shanahan hitting the bar and Eoghan O'Dwyer sending his angled shot off the bar five minutes from time with Mariners' busy goalkeeper Dennis Rodriques off his goal line.

Valley FC 10

Pest Control 1

Goals flew into the back of the net at regular intervals as Valley crushed Pest Control at Malabar yesterday.

No further information could be obtained regarding goalscorers.