Young Guns fires “The Stars of the East” into semifinals.
Goals by Rafiek Thomas and Richard West on both sides of the half were too much for the bubbly August Town. The newly promoted campaigners mounted numerous attacks through former Harbour View midfielder, Daniel Shaw but ended empty-handed as goalkeeper Michaud “Button” Barrett and Captain, Clifton Waugh marshalled the defensive unit to play sensible tactical football in negating advances under very windy conditions.
Senior players Christopher Harvey, Robert Scarlett and Richard Edwards stabilised the back to allow the lesser experienced players to perform without pressure as they established themselves as more than able competitors at this level.
With players returning from injuries or being sidelined because of others outstanding performances getting another chance to display their skills, they grabbed it with both hands and made an impressive statement about their readiness and requested more playing time when the full squad is available.
National duties for six (6) players in Hong Kong with the Reggae Boyz and new Coach ‘Bora’ Mulitinovic and young goalkeeper Dwayne Miller, off on National Under 20 duties as well it created a deep void that was capably filled. Gregg Taylor and Kevin King also return soon from the United States of America being excused by the team management, on family business.
Rafiek scored in minute 32 after headed on a Scarlett corner, he again was first to react and blasted home a left-footed stunner on the turn from 16 yards into the roof of the net to assume the lead.
Substitute Richard West celebrated his long awaited return to the Premier League after being in Canada until January when he finished of a slick eight man,
one touch sequence of passes by slotting out of the reach of the goalkeeper in the 88th minute to close the game on a high.
Waterhouse are the semifinal opponents at the National Stadium on Sunday, February 25th followed by defending Champions Boys Town against Tivoli Gardens.
The finals are set for Wednesday, February 28th, 2007.