Garvey Maceo, Clarendon College gridlocked

THE LARGE turnout of fans at the Wembley Excellence Centre yesterday were treated to some exciting football despite the goalless draw that ensued between defending champions Garvey Maceo and former champions Clarendon College in their Zone 3 ISSA daCosta Cup round-of-16 clash.

In what is regarded as the ‘group of death’, both teams walked away with a point to sit joint second in the group, after Glenmuir clipped Maggotty High 1-0 at home to lead with three points.

Billed as a massive Clarendon derby, the encounter lived up to expectations as both teams started aggressively, providing end-to-end action.

As the game progressed, the Devon Anderson-coached Clarendon College team held the upper hand and looked the more likely to score first.

With Jaheim Senior dictating play, they created several chances but failed to convert. Senior, along with Rwanie Rampasaul and Dameon Simms, missed from close range as the half ended scoreless.

At the restart, Clarendon College picked up where they left off, continuing to dominate possession. However, Garvey Maceo’s solid defending kept them at bay. The champions, led by Omarion O’Brien on the left wing and supported by Rajae McLaughlin, began to find their rhythm as the half wore on.

Both teams pressed hard for the breakthrough, but good goalkeeping and missed opportunities kept the score level. Clarendon College came close twice in the final 15 minutes but were denied by outstanding saves from the Garvey Maceo custodian.

In the dying moments, Garvey Maceo had a golden chance to snatch victory when Lexjay Green, with the goalkeeper beaten, kicked wide from six yards in the 88th minute.

Clarendon College head coach Devon Anderson said his team should have taken all three points.

“We should have won the match, but the guys squandered numerous chances and it nearly cost us. Maybe it was jitters, but I’m not killing them — it’s football. In the end, we’re happy to get at least a point,” he said.

“We’ll prepare for our next match at home against Glenmuir, and if we play Clarendon College football, I’m confident we’ll come out with a win.”

Garvey Maceo assistant coach Odaine Davidson was also content with the draw.

“It was a good game that could have gone either way. The guys were a bit flat, but it was a good test for us,” Davidson said.

“We’ll go back to the pitch and prepare for our next game away to Maggotty, as all four teams in this group are strong.”