PORT ANTONIO, Portland — Eagle Strikers are the champions of the Portland FA Portland Co-operative Credit Union Knockout competition after they carved out a well-fought 2-1 victory over many times champions St George’s at Carder Park on Thursday.

Davian McKenzie gave Eagle Strikers a 16th-minute lead before Jason Malcolm pulled the victors out of the fire with a stoppage time (90th+6 minute) equaliser. Rennis Allen then hit the winner in minute 110.

Eagle Strikers took the lead when McKenzie tapped in from close range from Carlton Campbell’s cross.

Malcolm fired home the equaliser to force the game into extra time.

St George’s were reduced to 10 players when Demar Easington was ejected by referee Gawayne Scott for his second bookable offence.

Allen then made the one-man advantage count when he rifled home the winner, before turning villain when he was sent off for serious foul play at the death.

Eagle Strikers received the winning trophy and earned $80,000, while St George’s copped $60,000 for second.

Delroy Boyd, St George’s coach, was disappointed: “It was a hard-fought game, it’s sad to lose in this way after defending this trophy for so many years, we just give it up like that. We have to give credit to the youths because they have a bunch a youths and they went out and put their all and that is the result we end up with.”

Dean Weston, of the victors, was elated: “We have to say thank God… without him it would not be possible. It is a long time and we know we had to take it this year. It only takes one goal to do it and Rennis came up with it at the important time.”

Anthony Morrison, marketing manager of Portland Credit Union, was pleased: “We are pleased with the running of the competition and the Portland FA has shown the level of competence and the game was a good and competitive one. We know that cost is going up, but we do not know if the sponsorship will increase, but that’s a board decision and we will be back next year.”