Returning striker from Norway, Kavin “Titalinho” Bryan scored at the back post by out-jumping all his peers to deflect a Jermaine Hue corner in the 44th minute to sneak into the lead before halftime.
It would prove to be the decisive strike that secured a win and three added points in a ding-dong battle for leadership as the Third Round got on its way, in front of a surprisingly boisterous support group from Clarendon.
Bryan was repeating his heroics of scoring the only and another winning goal on his return in two successive games, as he had notched a similar goal last week against Arnett Gardens FC, to temporarily boost the sagging Home Record of a few victories.
Riding a positive wave of recent results the youth oriented bunch from Brancourt, came out seeking the advantage in first half raids on the HVFC Goal.
Hungry for more success and buoyed by the inclusion of their overseas players back from North American holidays at School, plus striker Alonzo Adlam trying to show his worth kept the defensive line on their toes as he darted from side to side in a probing manner, The visitors had the better of the minutes 1-35, aided by the strong but chilly wind that gusted behind them in the direction of our goal, ably tended by National Goalkeeper, Dwayne Miller.
Voted “Lucozade Man-of-the-Match” Dicoy Williams, along with partner Montrose Phinn stabilized the back–half of the team as Captain, Lovel Palmer provided outlets down the right flank to launch attacking ploys in conjunction with the solid Richard Edwards, returning from injury. Hue was a step ahead of his younger opponents and was well assisted by the growing talents of John-Ross Edwards and Andre Steele, his Under 21 protégés.
Andre Fagan, showing much improved ball control and handling skills worked well with Bryan on the frontline but his shot on goal sailed high and wide of the intended target midway the second half.
The now accustomed, lead-management discipline was put into fast forward in the second half, as the dominance in ball handling fell to HVFC, with the high winds at our backs, a lead in the pocket and 3 points on the mind.
Romario Campbell and Kemar Petrekin added spunk to the attack but not penetration, as Christopher Harvey added steel to the defensive network to close-down the game and take the rare victory at home, 1-0.
JACKIE BELL KNOCKOUT QUARTER-FINALS RETURN LEG:
On Wednesday, HVFC plays Tivoli Gardens FC at home at 7pm, in an effort to alter the 0-2 deficit inflicted last Wednesday at the former Railway Oval.