Four goals by different players marked a proud score line in the end of a game that stuttered to get into full gear, as a hand-full of simple chances went a begging in the early exchanges.
Even a 23 minute unscheduled power outage intervened to force the teams to rethink their strategies. Strikers Rafiek Thomas, Richard West in tandem with Loxely Thomas were the main offenders as they failed to convert a continuous flow of goal scoring opportunities created from crosses and squares angled from both sides of the field.
Good players come good sooner than later, so it came as no surprise in minute 42 as the half-time break beckoned, up popped the burly Gregory Simpson with a thunderous left footed pile-driver from 32 yards. It crashed with malicious intent into the goalkeepers chest and spilled out onto the ground in front of his bulging eyes as Richard West was ready to pounce and slipped it wide of him, to belatedly open the goal-scoring chart relieving the supporters tension and making enough time for the stout-hearted goalkeeper to catch back his breathe.
1-0 at halftime, were we distracted or was this team better than we expected and if so to prove, as their jubilant spectators shouted from the stands “we are as good as dem”.
The riot-act read within the confines of the changing room a more purposeful team strode out onto the pitch very early in the second half to put all the detractors firmly in the hospital zone where “Silence” is forever observed.
The passing game instituted, smooth simple movements were climaxed by crosses, squares, chips and smashing shots. Minute 53 Richard Edwards slammed a 27 yards torpedo into the roof of the net as the custodian sort cover beneath it.
The door flung wide open, the tempo upped and the sweet sound of balls passing decorated the stadium as smiles adorned the faces in the stands punctuated by the odd joke from the supporters who knows the… the time is nigh!
Robert Scarlett again races down the flank before slipping a neat pass into the path of Rafiek Thomas who dismisses a defender before scoring at the far post, 3-0 after 63 minutes.
Substitutions dominate as more youngsters get a chance to impress the coaching staff. Anthony Christie scores a penalty in minute 79 after winning it, when his goal bound header was blocked by a defenders hand.
The night ended when the entire stadium stood up to “Welcome Home” the six Harbour View Reggae Boyz direct from the airport on their return from Hong Kong where they won the prestigious “Lunar Cup” 2007. Defeating China 5-4 on penalties in the Final after a 0-0 scoreline.
Captain, Donald Stewart, Oniel Smith, Fabian Taylor, Jermaine Taylor, Lovel Palmer and new hitman Kavin Bryan.
Congratulations all!!!
The replay is on March 7th in Manchester, as this Sunday, February 25th the Western Union KSAFA Semifinals are to be played at the National Stadium.
Champions, Boy’s Town plays Tivoli Gardens at 4pm and at 6pm Harbour View takes on Waterhouse.
The winners of both games advances to the Final on Wednesday, February 28th, 2007 at 7pm at the same venue.
SUNDAY, MARCH 4th – OUR 33rd ANNIVERSARY!
We play Reno at St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) at 3:30pm in the End of Round Two Finals. Premier League Round Three begins on Sunday, March 11th, 2007.