San Pedro Dolphins 4, Yabra Zip
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Prior to the starting whistle, a moment of silence was observed by the players and fans in memory of Alfredo Alamilla. Don Fedo who recently died was a great fan and supporter of the San Pedro Football Club and frequently accompanied the team to mainland matches. Mrs. Alamilla made a donation to the club in Don Fedo's memory.
The first ten minutes of the game were uneventful as the Dolphins and Yabra skirmished to gain control of the ball. Both goalkeepers were active, chasing and retrieving high and wide shots that missed the net. 15 minutes into the first half, Raul "Coco" Gonzalez got control of the ball and kicked a long pass down the sideline, Oscar Pinelo passed to Paul Bradley, Bradley back to "Coco", "Coco" back to Pinelo who put the ball in the net for the first goal. 10 minutes later Pinelo kicked an 18 yard pass into the net bringing the score to Dolphins 2, Yabra 0.
The pressure was on Yabra to score in the second half. In spite of their efforts, they were unsuccessful. San Pedro's Oliver Hendricks scored midway into the second half, raising the score 3 to 0. The fans were more than appreciative. The final chapter of the game was written by Denton Kelly who made good on a penalty kick in the last minute of the match giving the Dolphins a sweet 4 - 0 victory in their first league contest.
During half-time and after the game the fans discussed the new team. The word fans were using for the Dolphins performance was "professional". Coach Palmero Salas was given credit by the fans and the San Pedro Football Club management for fielding what looks to be the team that will bring the league championship to the island in 1997. Next week (March 9th) the team meets Verdes in Cayo. On March 16th the Dolphins will again meet Yabra in Belize City. The next home game will be March 23 against Verdes in Ambergris Stadium.
