Fleet frenzy at international level

Ricky Shakes continued to make his mark on world football as he scored the opening goal in Guyana’s World Cup qualifier against Trinidad & Tobago. The win puts the ‘Golden Jaguars’ into the third round of qualification for the first time in their history.

Shakes netted on 10 minutes against the country he previously turned out for, volleying home an unstoppable shot after a corner was half-cleared into his path. Guyana had the upper hand for much of the first half and had opportunities to extend their lead. Trinidad’s Soca Warriors hit back in the second half with Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones at the heart of their forward play but Guyana sealed the win nine minutes from time when Burnley’s Leon Cort sprinted clear on the break and rounded the goalkeeper to score.

Stoke’s Jones got a consolation for Trinidad & Tobago in injury time but it wasn’t enough to prevent Guyana taking their place alongside Mexico, Costa Rica and El Salvador in CONCACAF Group B, with games to be played in the summer/autumn of 2012. There is a further round beyond that if Guyana hope to progress all the way to Brazil 2014.

Meanwhile, closer to home, Michael West earned a call-up to the full England C side after the standby player was drafted in to replace a withdrawal from the squad. With Preston Edwards already in the full squad, that’s two more Fleet players on international duty and they will travel to Gibraltar for Tuesday night’s game that serves as a warm-up to England’s International Challenge Trophy group campaign next February.

Related Posts