Joseph Strikers, Hot Topic to meet in Balla Squad Futsal final
Joseph Strikers defeated Leaders United 2-1 while Hot Topic turned back Wanka n Frenz 1-0 to secure their places in the final of the Balla Squad Futsal Knockout tournament at Palm Grove Court off Spanish Town Road last Sunday. The final takes place next Sunday, July 27 at the same venue at 7 p.m.
Joseph Strikers who advanced to the semi-finals after a penalty shootout victory over Barsenal, took the lead against Leaders on Sunday through an own goal. Leaders would get back in the match when they equalised in the 28th minute through Ricardo McEwan's strike.
However, Kirkan Nelson scored in the 35th minute to give Joseph Strikers the win.
The other finalists, Hot Topic, needed a brace from Andre Thomas in their quarterfinal to hold Westside to a 2-2 draw, before advancing to the last four on penalties. On Sunday, they got the all-important goal through Sheldon Ricketts after 18 minutes to see off hot favourites Wanka N Frens.
Tournament organiser, Keno Levy, noted that both finalists hailed from the same community of Palm Grove.
Joseph Strikers are from a section of the community called 'Rat Bat' while, Hot Topic represent the 'housing scheme' section of the community and as a result the final is being built as a big community derby.
"We will also have a lot of giveaways and there will be bounce-about and trampoline for the kids from about 4 p.m.
"At 5 p.m. we will have an exhibition masters game. Then we will have the second leg of the youth final at 6 p.m. and the knockout final at 7 p.m.," Levy said.
"Everybody is expecting a nice game. It's a derby game. Joseph Striker lost 3-1 to Hot Topic in the league so they (Joseph Strikers) will be coming for revenge in the final. So we are all expecting a good game," he added.