Glenmuir survive Kemps Hill onslaught, win first quarterfinal game

FAVOURITES GLENMUIR started the quarterfinals of the daCosta Cup football competition on a winning note as, playing at home against neighbouring parish team Kemps Hill, they staved off a strong second-half challenge to open their Group B campaign with a 3-2 victory.

After taking a little time to settle, Glenmuir came into their own and took control early, grabbing the lead midway through the half. In the 24th minute, Oneil Headley put his team in front from a set play, rising high to score a glancing header from a corner kick.

With only Shemar Daley of Kemps Hill posing any real threat, Glenmuir continued to dominate and doubled their advantage in the 40th.

Midfielder Dusting Cohen then received a cross just outside the 18-yard area and made no mistake, firing past the Kemps Hill custodian to give his team a 2-0 lead at the break.

It was a completely different affair in the second half as Kemps Hill came out with greater purpose, led by Daley, who weaved through Glenmuir players on several occasions. Daley got good support from the likes of Devonie Gordon, Robert Donaldson, and Jordan Sampson as the visitors applied constant pressure.

It came as no surprise when Kemps Hill reduced the deficit in the 75th minute, as Orlando Campbell scored directly from a corner kick.

That goal sparked further confidence in Kemps Hill, who took control and created several opportunities to draw level but were let down by poor finishing, while Glenmuir struggled to cope with the mounting pressure.

Despite being outplayed, Glenmuir found a way to restore their cushion, increasing their lead to 3-1 in the 89th minute from another set piece, with Orel Miller heading home from a corner.

Kemps Hill, however, refused to give up. They pulled one back in added time through Daley from the penalty spot in the 90+4 minute. His initial attempt was saved, but the goalkeeper was ruled to have moved off his line too early. Daley made no mistake on the retake, but it was too late for a comeback with Glenmuir holding on for the win and securing an important three points.

Assistant coach of Glenmuir, Ashani Mullings was pleased with the result despite an uneven performance.

“It was a game of two halves as we had control of the first half, creating several chances. The tempo changed for us in the second half as we allowed the opponents into the game, even letting them score late despite our healthy two-goal lead,” said Mullings.

Losing coach of Kemps Hill, Kiegan Mitchell, praised his team despite the defeat.

“It wasn’t a bad performance from the team today as we knew it was always going to be a tough match playing Glenmuir at Glenmuir. We came out very flat in the first half because we were playing against a strong wind, but our improved performance came in the second half when we were playing with the wind,” said Mitchell, who is already looking forward to their next group match.