Savannah stop Wadadah for Western Confed title
MONTEGO BAY, St James — Savannah FC completed a dream season on Sunday afternoon when they beat former champions Wadadah, 1-0, in the return-leg final at Jarrett Park to win the Captain’s Bakery Western Confederation Super League.
Kachave Parkinson’s second-half goal gave Savannah a 3-2 aggregate win after the first leg, played in Frome two weeks ago, ended in a 2-2 draw.
It was the Westmoreland team’s first season in the Super League after winning the Westmoreland Major League last season, and their first win over Wadadah in four attempts this season.
The jinx of the mid-season champions continued as Wadadah, who had beaten Savannah 4-0 in the play-offs at Frome, became the third straight team to end as runners-up after winning that game.
Wadadah, who were second to Seba United (now Montego Bay United) last season when the competition was played on a league format, led Savannah by two points after the three preliminary rounds were completed — 33 to 31.
Savannah, who will now turn their attention to the Premier League play-offs on Sunday, were the better team, creating the most scoring chances and dominating possession.
Wadadah, who had come back froma 2-0 deficit in the first leg, had little or no offensive thrust and were chasing the game for most of the 90 minutes, even with the late introduction of player/coach Daniel Ricketts and top striker Curtis Palmer.
The Westmoreland team should have scored as early as the 17th minute when a move down the right side resulted in Tevin Williams heading directly to Wadadah goalkeeper Tristan Bernard from point-blank range.
Savannah were also on the attack early in the second half and this paid off when Bernard partially blocked a shot that sailed over his head and into the path of Parkinson, who powered into the undefended goal in the 65th.
Player/coach Kendrie Quarrie should have doubled the lead two minutes later, but his well-struck free-kick aimed under the crossbar was tipped over by Bernard for a corner.
Wadadah then came forward in waves seeking to draw level and force extra time, but their attack lacked focus and Savannah were able to keep them out, setting off wild celebrations when referee Dwight Royal blew the final whistle.