Loxely Thomas’s fierce shot at goal from 21 yards was blocked by the hand of Serbian defender Marko Medic in the 58th minute. The penalty awarded was calmly dispatched by Thomas as the “Eagles” custodian Dustan Belic flew left and the shot was placed in the opposite direction, as Thomas ran away to the corner flag in celebration with his team-mates chasing.
The tempo of the game suddenly lifted as the season’s leading team was faced with the prospect of losing for the first time, while the young visitors seeked a victory. This contrasted greatly to the probing first 45 minutes when Harbour View inched forward but stood well organised in defense lead by the astute Jermaine Taylor and the insightful Desmond Breakenridge. They were ably covered by Michaud “Button” Barrett with two spectacular diving saves and effective ball handling to catch crosses aimed at two towering six footers.
The 1517 patrons grew noisy as improved ball handling skills of Loxely and Rafeik Thomas, Kavon Bryan and Kemar Petrekin came to life much to the frustration of the Serbians on their home field.
Desmond Breakenridge received a second caution and was ejected from the game in minute 84 but Captain Lovel Palmer reverted to a defensive position as the visitors had now resigned themselves to containing the “Eagles”.
There was still time for one more flash of dribbling skills by Rafeik Thomas down the flank with Nicholas Dodd assisting to square as Petrekin and Christie arrived a few seconds late for the cross to fade away at the far post.
A winning start to the two game tour for new Head Coach Lenworth Hyde and his assistant Max Straw, who got technical input on the bench from former Harbour View and National player Junior Groves who now coaches in Toronto.
On Tuesday the tour ends with a game against a Caribbean All Star team, the team returns home on Wednesday.
HARBOUR VIEW FOOTBALL CLUB TOURS CANADA
The Harbour View Football Clubs two match pre-season tour of Toronto, Canada begins on Saturday, August 12th when the squad departs the island and returns on Wednesday, August 16, 2006.
The first game is scheduled for the Centennial Stadium on Sunday, August 13 at 7pm against the League leading Serbian Eagles FC who are undefeated this season. Their season ends in late October 2006.
The second game is on Tuesday, August 15 at 9pm against a Caribbean All-Star Team comprising of Winston “Fanna” Griffiths and Eshay Bryan a former Jamaican National representative at the Under 17 World Cup, amongst others.
The Official Touring Party is:
- Lovel Palmer – Captain (National Senior)
- Loxley Thomas
- Richards Edwards
- Rafeik Thomas
- Mitchily Waul
- Kevin Wooley
- Kavin Bryan
- Ricardo Smith
- Michaud Barrett
- Kemar Peterkin (National Junior)
- Nicholas Dodd
- Anthony Christie (National Junior)
- Gregory Simpson
- Desmond Breakenridge (National Senior)
- Jermaine Taylor (National Senior)
- Lenworth Hyde – Head Coach
- Howard Max Straw – Assistant Coach
- Clyde Jureidini – Head of Delegation