Spanish Town crowned Tier II champions

SPANISH TOWN Police FC were crowned champions of the Jamaica Football Championships (Tier II) when they defeated Treasure Beach FC 2-0 at Drax Hall Sports Complex on Saturday.

In a thrilling encounter, Spanish Town’s leading goal scorer Jordan Elliston struck nine minutes after the break, and, in the 59th minute, Kristoff Russell completed the scoring.

Head coach Andre Glanville was delighted with the victory.

“We wanted to win going into the premier league with a lot of confidence in the new season,” Glanville told The Gleaner while celebrating the win.

Going into the game as underdogs, Spanish Town handed Treasure Beach their first defeat this season.

St Elizabeth-based Treasure Beach had won nine and drawn seven of their 16 matches, including the two semi-final games before losing in the final.

Goalscorer Elliston said he felt great after registering his eighth goal in the season in the final.

“It is always a great feeling to score goals and contribute to a win,” Elliston said.

“We are also the first team to beat Meadforest this season as well. We know what we are capable of,” he added.

Spanish Town beat title favourites Falmouth to earn their place in the final on penalties in the May 10 semi-final, after a 1-1 draw on aggregate.

Spanish Town have now won Division Two, Division One, Major League in St Catherine and now the all-island Tier II competition.

Meanwhile, Kemar Ricketts, head coach of Treasure Beach, said that despite the loss, he is proud of the players.

“We did well all season so I want to congratulate my players. We played without three of our most lethal players today. My two leading goal-scorers were out, but congratulations to Spanish Town,” said Ricketts, who will now focus on preparations for next season’s Jamaica Premier League.

The first half of the match was evenly balanced and Elliston broke deadlock in the early minutes of the second half. Treasure Beach had several chances to score but were kept out by the very good Spanish Town goalkeeper.

Spanish Town kept up the pressure at the other end of the field and it paid off with Russell completing the win with a close range shot.