Sheldon Palmer’s 75th minute header from a left sided cross sent his cheering supporters into rhapsody by recording their second victory from four matches and lifts them into fourth position on eight points behind leaders Harbour View with a superior goal difference, Waterhouse and Arnett Gardens all tied on nine points.
In a game that exhibited good technical skills, tactical awareness and individual flair the large crowd reveled in the cool atmosphere from as early as a hour before the game begun at 6:30pm. In a day specially designated as “FIFA World Fair Play Day” across the globe the introductory ceremony that included the entire local Football Fraternity represented by both team captains reading joint statement had set a somber tone that was well received by the audience.
Shawn Sawyers made two brilliant saves early from point blank range from the power runs of Marcelino Blackburn and then Lovel Palmer denying the host the lead, while he chased hastily across his goal twice to parry Luton Shelton 23 yard bombs to his right and left as Portmore slowed but did not control the attackers progress.
The half ended dogged by midfield battle lines drawn and strategies by both coaches to unleash players from their shackles while holding the opponents locked into possession and not scoring that all important first goal. After 61 minutes, Captain Lovel Palmer broke free with blistering pace from midfield and the deft chip from Loxely Thomas fell sweetly in his path just outside the penalty box. He waited calmly for it to fall below his chest and watch it sit in the lush grass waiting to be spanked goalwards.
Just then he thought was I offside or am I truly free, it that moment of indecision the alert goalkeeper Sawyers quickly closed down the space and his angle as his defenders retreated hastily towards the ball. Palmer struck onto Sawyers leg and the rebound went 120 yards to Ronnie Amaguana the substitute who blasted goalwards as Sawyers again blocked high to his left and his now recovered defenders scrambled the chance away to safety. Coach Paul Young breathed anxiously as Donavan Hayles scratched his bald path in disbelief as the best opportunity was spurned.
The rest was to come as a heartbreaker to the Harbour View fans as a signal sounded when under pressure Steve Morrisey’s miscued shot bounced off the upright then four minutes later another left sided move produced a Tyrone Sawyers cross that found Palmer’s head between two defenders to register the winning goal of the interesting game.
Giveaways to first two season ticket holders from WATA and gifts from JAMBISCO to players of the game (Marcelino Blackburn and Anthony Modeste) for both teams ended the ceremonies as the crowd filed out homewards.
Our next game is against Arnett Gardens at the Tony Spaulding Complex on Wednesday, September 29th at 5pm.
Starting Lineup:
- GK : Leighton Murray,
- Defence: Nicholas Dodd, Jermaine Taylor, Alex Thomas, Orville Campbell,
- Midfield: Loxely Thomas, Richard Edwards, Lovel Palmer, Marcelino Blackburn
- Forwards: Luton Shelton, Leon Strickland.
- Substitutes:
- Kemar Petrekin, Ronnie Amaguana, Richard West.
- Not used: William Richards, Sean Mason, Gregory Simpson, Dennis Clayton (Gk),.
- Red Card: Kemar Petrekin in the 88th minute.
- Yellow Card: Luton Shelton, Richard Edwards.
Other League Results:
(Home teams named first)
- Village United 2 Seba United 2
- Rivoli United 0 Arnett Gardens 1
- Waterhouse 3 Wadadah 1
- Tivoli Gardens 2 Constant Spring 0
- Boys Town Reno (rain, rescheduled to a later date)
Harbour View take Sherwin Williams/ColourScape Women’s KO title
Harbour View FC retained the Sherwin Williams/ColourScape Women’s Knockout title with a 3-2 penalty win over Barbican at the Constant Spring playfield on Tuesday, September 20.
The game ended 2-2 in regulation time after Harbour View had taken a 2-0 lead through goals from Peta-Gaye Soman (12th minute) and Marvette Francis (32nd). Barbican fought their way back, courtesy of a double by substitute Yanique Goldspring, who struck in the 70th and 88th minutes to force the game into extra time.