GPA RETURNS, CAN REAL ADD GAS?

… grueling weekend in GFF league By John Mendy Action continues in the National League first division with six exciting fixtures as reigning Champions Port returns to domestic action in almost a month since a 3-2 defeat to Bombada. They were busy on the international front. Elsewhere, Brikama United will be hoping to continue winning ways after recording their fifth league win of the season over Steve Biko when they travel to S/K East Park to face Samger, who have a game in hand against GPA while Real aims to strengthen their lead at the summit as they host Tallinding United. Struggling to decide which game to watch to whet your appetite, don’t worry Standard Sports is set to cast an eagle’s eye over all six fixtures. Saturday 1st April 2017 Serekunda United Vs. Marimoo @ Manjai Momodou Jallow’s side will go into the match off the back of a 1-1 draw at home to Bombada while S/K United too came from a  goalless draw, with Tallinding United. The last time both teams met, it ended one all. With Marimoo now on the hard push for the title challenge with seven games to go, they could be all out for this one for right reasons but Modou Njie’s SK boys have not tasted defeat in the last five outings, thus cementing their grip off from relegation. So this could depict a cracker on Saturday at Manjai. Samger Vs. Brikama United @ East Just a week after going back to winning ways, Sulayman Kuyateh’s “Satay baa” outfit may be wary of Samger’s threats but would be buoyed by last weekend’s 3-1 win over Biko. Brikama United have gone under a lot of pressure when the team lost their grip six games into the season following players’ disappointment of not competing in the CAF Confederation cup due to financial constraints. The players now looked to have overcome that and getting back to winning ways last week could now signal something good for the team and coach. However, Samger are with a game in hand to GPA and having not played last weekend, they dropped to the bottom of the pile with just 12 points. Brikama could be ranked favorite here after convincingly winning 2-0 on Match Day 10 in the first round in Brikama. Real vs. Tallinding United @ Banjul Serial champions have dropped four valuable points in their last three games; else they could have widened the gap at the summit to keep a great distance to chasers GAF. Regardless of that, they are seemingly on the bounce for wins again as they will face a depleted Tallinding United side, whom they thrashed 3-0 at East at match day ten. Tallinding have won just once from their last seven games. Sunday 2nd April Steve Biko vs. Gamtel @ Stadium It should be a must win game for the Bakau based club, culminating home advantage after losing their own grounds and now stares the brink of the table – sitting 10th position just a point from relegation zone. Gamtel, on the other hand, may have occupy 8th but their performances is continually dropping. They are three points above the relegation and two points better of Lai Bojang’s Biko, who stunned them one-nil in their last showdown. These two sides that desperately need a win. Ports Authority vs. Hawks @ Banjul Reigning champions will set to put behind their CAF Champions League elimination to Congolese AS Vita Club when they tussle Ansu Fatty’s Hawks, have had patchy results since their 2-1 win over Tallinding United in match day five. Hawks may have still stand their grip on 5th position for over two month but have only managed four wins from 15 matches. The ‘Ferry Boys’ though dropped to the Confederation Cup, still awaits CAF respond to their appeal case against Francisco Ondo Obama, who is allegedly using two different both certificates. Armed Forces vs. Bombada @ East The high-flying Army will look to keep up their momentum to pressure Real at the top of things after they have also shared spoils with Hawks last weekend. Bombada, who are in relegation battle with Samger, almost notched a fifth win of the season to Marimoo in Manjai but a last gasp Ismaila Ceesay’s header dented their hopes. And this showdown at East mini stadium on Sunday, gives no glimpse of Babucarr Bojang’s a win or a share of the cake. But in football, never rule out the weaker opponent, for it is often said expect the unexpected. So that’s your recipe for what looks an exciting weekend to look forward to in the national League division one.]]>