Football: Barclays league division one playoff-LightStars shoot down SPDF’s challenge |19 November 2012

There was always a gulf in difference between these two sides though LightStars struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. Their performance though gave SPDF hope as they aimed to make it to the top flight for the first time in their history.

However, LightStars Malagasy midfielder Sylvain gave the Praslin side the lead in the 24th minute as he beat goalkeeper Danny Larue to make it 1-0.

LightStars though were irrepressible in the second period as they tore apart an inexperienced SPDF to extend their advantage in the 51st minute through Mario Ravo’s shot which deflected off an SPDF defender for an own goal (2-0).

In the 62nd minute, LightStars stretched their lead from an Andy Brioche towering header from Andrew Jean’s corner.

LightStars were now rampant as SPDF seemed to have the stuffing knocked out of them and in the 65th minute, they produced a superb move with one-touch football involving Sylvain and Haja as they carved open SPDF before Haja coolly slotted the ball past goalie Larue for a 4-0 lead.

SPDF reduced the arrears in the 80th minute as Francis Bacco and substitute Hans Radegonde exchanged passes on the bye-line and the ball seemed to run out of play but assistant referee Gilbert Lusta did not signal.

 LightStars waited for the official as they lost concentration allowing Radegonde to centre to Anacoura who headed past goalkeeper Basil Esther to make it 1-4.

In the 87th minute, LightStars’ Haja received a pass with his back to goal but he showed his skills with a beautiful turn before firing past goalkeeper Larue for a 5-1 score.

LightStars capped a magnificent win in injury time as SPDF’s Don Laramé tripped Ravo in full flight and referee Emile Fred pointed to the penalty spot.

 Goalkeeper Esther was assigned the penalty kick and he did not disappoint as he sent his counterpart the wrong way for a comfortably 6-1 victory.

LightStars’ win guarantees them survival in the top flight for 2013 season after a difficult season.

R. J-L.