Two goals in each half was more than enough for the former Champions!
The focus was back from as early as the game started, as the more assertive looking “Stars of the East” went swiftly for the juggler.
Captain, Lovel Palmer pounced on the rebound from Kavin Bryan’s shot which custodian Julian McLeish failed to hold onto and tapped home inside the six yards box after just nine minutes. Then when Richard Edwards released Palmer down the right flank he crossed to the waiting chest of Fabian Taylor to guide unmolested over the line at the back post in the 24th minute. More ominous signs appeared frequently throughout the half that gave the impression the Arnett Gardens resolve had already wilted.
The half ended 2-0 despite other good attempts to widen the goal difference between both teams in a one-sided affair. The surge was replicated in like fashion in the second period as Kavin Bryan spun and rifled home another scorcher inside the area past McLeish after Oniel Smith crossed from the right after 54 minutes had elapsed.
Ricardo Smith replaced Gregory Simpson, Jermaine Hue replaced Edwards as did Nicholas Dodd for Kemeel Wolfe as Harbour View kept up the pressure but did not extend the lead until the 86th minute when a defensive blunder assisted to seal the issue.
Constantly under duress goalkeeper McLeish punched at Donald Stewart’s lob and in the process miscued it behind him as he rushed out the goal. In a genuine attempt to clear it, central defender Mark Wisdom could only get a toe to it that helped it into the roof of the net as if to “the rub salt-in-the-wound”.
Referee Howard Stennett credited it as an own goal Hue tried to get his name on the score sheet but shot wide from 15 yards, as Taylor and Dodd struck shots from distance. Arnett never seemed to come to terms with the game as Cornel Chin Sue, earlier Everton Bunsie, Leon Strickland and Marcellino Blackburn speculative shots never threatened as Kwame Richardson’s early burst of speed on the right became less and less until finally disappearing.
UNDER 21:
A 1-1 scoreline was disappointing for Harbour View who dominated the entire game but only scored after letting in their opponents in the 64th minute.
On Wednesday, the return leg in the Red Stripe Champions Cup Knockout Quarterfinals are to be played at Tivoli Gardens with them holding a commanding 3-0 lead.
On Sunday at the same venue the second game in the Premier League’s third Round continues.
Below: Goalscorers Kavin Bryan & Fabian Taylor
