4 days ago
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SEVEN-TIME champions Cornwall College marched into the ISSA Ben Francis KO Cup final with a 2-0 victory over former champions McGrath High in the semi-finals at Drax Hall Sports Complex yesterday.
Their opponents in the final will be Clarendon College, who completed a 4-1 penalty shoot-out victory over Manning’s School after the teams were locked at 1-1 at full time.
In a marquee showdown, Cornwall’s Shakeem Gibson struck twice with goals in the 38th and 81st minutes to shatter the dreams of McGrath
According to Hector Wright, the coach of Cornwall, the team’s hard work in preseason has paid off.
“We worked hard over the summer, and I am sure the guys are very proud of themselves,” said Wright.
“It is always good to get into a final. Even though we didnt make it to the daCosta Cup final, I expect them to go and enjoy themselves and play at their best (in the Ben Francis final),” added Wright, who is a first-year head coach.
Meanwhile Jermaine Thomas of McGrath High said it was a good season and he was proud of the team’s consistent performance within the programme.
“I thought they gave it their all, having lost 12 players from last season and only retaining four. We then reached the semi-finals of the Ben Francis and getting to the round of 16 of the daCosta Cup, I think it is a significant achievement,” Thomas said, noting that they were also last year’s daCosta Cup finalists.
“We missed some good chances,” added Thomas.
Disaster struck for McGrath when Cornwall’s Gibson, following some beautiful build-up play, hammered home in the 38th minute to give his team the lead. Nine minutes from the end, Gibson weaved through the McGrath defenders and buried a shot in the back of the net to seal the victory.
Earlier, McGrath got some opportunities to score, but they were denied by the outstanding Carlyle Tinglin in the Cornwall goal.
Over in St Elizabeth, Clarendon’s Anthony Reid broke deadlock in the 12th minute to send his team ahead. Early in the second half (53rd minute), Manning’s Jordan Turner netted to equalise.
The scores remained even until regulation time ended. In the shoot-out, Clarendon kept their cool to outclass Manning’s.
The Ben Francis KO final will be played at the National Stadium tomorrow at 3 p.m.
YESTERDAY’S RESULTS
Clarendon 1-1 Manning’s (Clarendon won on penalties)
McGrath 0-2 Cornwall
English (US) ·