Ryon Jones, Star Writer

Bridgeport yesterday advanced to the semi-finals of the ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel Walker Cup, courtesy of a 4-0 victory over Eltham at the Constant Spring Sports Complex, in the first of two scheduled games.

The more anticipated match of the double-header between JC and STATHS did not get underway, as a heavy downpour delayed the start of the Bridgeport-Eltham game.

In the soggy conditions Bridgeport came to terms with the slick surface and got the scoring underway with their first shot on target. Jermaine Morgan found the back of the net with a beautiful shot in the twentieth minute.

Bridgeport came up with their second goal seven minutes later, when Eltham's Vernal Ellis handled a Darren Mattocks header. Jamiel Hardware converted the resulting spot kick. Eltham squandered a glorious opportunity to pull a goal back in the 32nd minute when Damarly Dawkins rolled a ball across the face of goal to an unmarked Stephen Morant, who unbelievably kicked wide.

Adoah Nickle netted two minutes before half-time and Darren Mattocks came up with his 18th goal of the season in the 68th minute.

poor finishing

Eltham's assistant coach Gregory Allen blamed poor finishing for his team's loss.

"The difference today was that Bridgeport took their chances, we didn't take ours, that made all the difference in the game today," Allen said.

"We just need to go home and rest ourselves and prepare for the Manning Cup," he added.

Anthony Patrick, coach of Bridgeport was naturally pleased with his team's performance and believes they can go all the way.

"The last couple of seasons we were a little bit lethargic going into the quarter-final round but we definitely want this one, this set of players have never won the Walker Cup," Patrick said. "We are confident of going all the way," he added.

Another downpour close to the end of the match required that the lines be remarked to accommodate the start of the second match, which would not have left enough daylight for that game to be completed.

ISSA's competition's director George Forbes, the referees and the coaches of both teams made the decision to reschedule the game.

"We have called off this game and it is going to be played on Monday, starting at 3 p.m. at the same venue. The reason being the lines are not visible because of the late start of the first game and for the other game to start we would have to remark the field," Forbes said.

As a result of the postponed match the semi-final round will be moved from Tuesday to Wednesday.