Manchioneal rally to win end-of-round title
BUFF BAY, Portland – Manchioneal clipped defending champions St George’s 2-1 to lift the Portland Football Association Western Union Major League end-of-round final at Lynch Park on Sunday.
The victors walked away with the trophy and $30,000, while St George’s took home $20,000.
Manchioneal’s goals were scored by Kesslon Hall in the 52nd minute and Maurice Clarke in the 113th, following a 16th-minute opener by St George’s Shevon Bailey.
The competitive encounter provided a lot of excitement for spectators, who were clearly entertained by the attacking flow of both teams.
Defending champions St George’s attacked through Tayjay Anderson, Shevon Bailey, Tyrone Brown and Demar Easington, while Manchioneal countered through Ryan Rodney, Rondee Smith, Hall and Mario Walker.
The Georgians took the lead through a counter-attacking move after being pinned down in their area. It started with Bobby-Joe Huie, and ended with Bailey who fired a low long-range shot which beat custodian Shavaun Baugh to his left.
On the resumption, Manchioneal went in search of the equaliser and it came when Hall followed up on a blocked shot from Rondee Smith for his 10th goal of the season.
The game went into extra time after both teams had off-side goals disallowed.
After some pressure on the offensive front, Manchioneal got their golden goal when substitute Clarke soared to hero status by beating an advancing Randal Huie in the St George’s goal.
Winning coach Lamond Henry was grateful for the win. “I give thanks to the Almighty first. We came prepared as we lost to them on Thursday… we looked at their playing pattern and got the victory,” he said.
Losing Carl Brisset was not pleased with the officiating, but accepted defeat. “The fans enjoyed the game, but the referee made too many mistakes,” he lashed out.
Marketing Manager of GraceKennedy Money Services, Prince Royal, was pleased with the quality of play. “It was a very good game and highly competitive and emotional for both teams. The fans came out and this is a way we give back to the community,” he said.
— Everard Owen
