BY KWESI MUGISA, Staff Reporter
CAPTAIN JERMAINE ALLEN produced a superb solo effort four minutes from full-time yesterday at the National Stadium to pilot Tivoli Gardens Comprehensive to a 2-1 victory over Jamaica College (JC), and a place in the semi-finals of the ISSA/Pepsi/JN Walker Cup.
Allen picked up a pass at the top of the 18-yard box and beat four defenders, before firing the ball to the left of a fully-stretched Geovani Gordon in the JC goal.
The winner completed a fine double for Allen. Leading by example, he fired his team into the lead in the 23rd minute with a well-placed free-kick from just about 25 yards out, which flew over the wall and curled out of the reach of the diving Gordon.
But the encounter had been a rugged one, the creative players from both teams had often been stifled as they were constantly barged out of possession by very stern defending.
While the early goal had pushed Jamaica College on the back foot, a promising second half spell would see them find inspiration of their own through right back Adrian Christian, who equalised in the 67th minute.
Christian dribbled down the flank and fired a high looping ball towards goal. Instead of punching the ball to safety, Tivoli custodian Horatio Nelson elected to hold the ball, but he misjudged the catch and it then slipped through his hands and into the back of the net.
STERNEST CHALLENGE
Both coaches admitted to the game being the sternest challenge so far this season. But JC's Alfred Henry insisted that his team will not be deterred by the loss.
"Our preparation is a work in progress, we will take the positives, try to eliminate the negatives and just move one," he remarked.
"We did not play up to expectations but for us as such a young team to get this far is commendable. We are still in a developmental stage and I am satisfied," he said.
Tivoli coach, Dave Clarke, while happy with the win, took time out to commend his opponents.
"To beat JC which I consider to be a good team is a plus for us. We are hoping that with this sort of lift the momentum and carry us straight through," he said.
In the day's early encounter, a 14th minute strike by Charlie Smith's Michael Russell was good enough to turn back first time entrants Eltham High 1-0.
Eltham, while having numerous opportunities to score, were let down by wayward finishing.
TODAY'S GAMES
Calabar vs STATHS
Wolmer's vs Norman Manley at 1:00p.m.
Matches will be played at the National Stadium.
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