Football: Sunkiss'd division one-Northern Dynamo end Red Star's six-game winning streak |31 July 2004

With an abundance of talents at his disposal, Red Star's Malagasy coach Mosa could not prevent the wheels from falling off against a determined Northern Dynamo.

Despite playing a more aggressive and organised football than their Glacis-based opponents, captain Percy Laramé's Red Star could not find the back of goalie Jules Monnaie's net as they too often squandered their goalscoring opportunities.

It seemed that Northern Dynamo, who played a dour 1-1 draw against Praslin side Light Stars in their last match, had done their homework as they took time to construct their attacks and looked dangerous each time they went forward.

Red Star, who were still without left-winger Jeffrey Brutus, came close to scoring in the 18th minute but René-Yves Raonizory, who missed his team's last two matches with a hamstring injury, shot wide with the goal begging.

League top scorer with 11 goals, Wilnes Brutus, who has not been on target in his team's last two games, could not do any better in the 32nd minute, outjumping the Northern Dynamo defence only to head the ball straight into goalie Monnaie's gloves.

Dynamo, under the captaincy of defender Ronny Hoareau, upped the tempo in the second half and their efforts paid off in the 57th minute.

Deadly Malagasy striker Assman Todisoa stole a ball from midfield and went on a darting run before releasing Valerio Dorothé unmarked inside Red Star's penalty area. The hardworking midfielder wasted no time to tuck the ball home to give his team a much-deserved 1-0 lead.

Following the goal, Northern Dynamo retreated in defence and played a strict man-to-man marking to preserve their one-goal lead.

Albeit their tireless efforts, Red Star, who have themselves to blame for not being able to extend their winning streak, failed to get the equaliser.

Despite the defeat, coach Mosa remains optimistic about his team's chances in the league championship which he has described as being very "tough and unpredictable."

"Everything can happen in football as you have witnessed on Thursday. Northern Dynamo played well and won the game. I am confident though in my players' ability and I feel that the race for the title is still wide open," he said.

As for Northern Dynamo's coach Cliff Nolin, he was happy with his players' display and the victory.

"We played some good attacking football and our defence was well organised. I feel that if the players commit themselves more to training and if we continue to play with the same determination, Northern Dynamo can give a good account in the league this season. Midfielder Daniel Marie is back with the team and has been performing well of late, while Daniel Kandasamy, formerly with St Michel and Sunshine, have just joined us, boosting our midfield which lacked consistency," said coach Nolin.

With the win, Northern Dynamo have climbed into eighth position in the standings with six points, leapfrogging Light Stars who are to meet tailenders Plaisance on La Digue this Saturday July 31 (afternoon).

Despite the loss, Red Star remain atop the standings with 18 points, four more than second-placed Anse Réunion who will play La Passe in a La Digue derby tomorrow at the island's playing field.

C. J.