Too little too late for semi-finals-chasing ‘Charlie’ Smith
KEMAR James’ 78th-minute strike gave Charlie Smith a 1-0 win over St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) in their ISSA/Flow Group J Manning Cup encounter at the Constant Spring field on Tuesday.
The victory was not enough for Charlie Smith in their hopes of booking a semi-final spot as Kingston College (KC) secured that berth by a superior goal difference after a 3-0 win over Bridgeport.
Coach Jerome Waite rued his team’s numerous wasted chances to have won the game by a wider margin.
“It is not just the win… we were aiming to come out with a big win as we heard during our match that Kingston College (KC) were leading 3-0 over their opponents at half-time in their match. So we needed to get the goals but the players were not successful in their efforts,” Waite said.
Meanwhile, Bridgeport Coach Alrick Clarke said his team got a few chances but failed to capitalised.
“At this stage we both were looking for a win, but the expectations and opportunities were there but were wasted. Scoring goals was one of our main downfall throughout the season,” Clarke said.
All four teams – KC, Charlie Smith, STATHS and Bridgeport – came into Tuesday’s games level on the same number of points and an identical goal difference in what was a wide open group.
During the first half on Tuesday, Charlie Smith should have gone ahead, but Kempy Bailey failed with his shot from near the six-yard box, which was blocked by a web of feet as STATHS scrambled in defence.
Charlie Smith produced majority of the scoring opportunities through James, Sheldon Williams and Bailey, who threatened throughout.
In response, STATHS carved out opportunities through Akeeno Burke, Noravdo Foster and Barrington Bailey, but were repelled each time by Charlie Smith’s uncompromising backline.
Shortly after the half-time break, Wayne Wedderburn should got Charlie Smith going after STATHS goalkeeper Jerdine Waite blocked a shot, but inadvertently directed the ball into the path of Wedderburn, who kicked wide of a gaping goal from close up.
But the South St Andrew-based school Charlie got their breakthrough in the 78th minute from a right-sied cross by Ronald Wright that James expertly pushed past goalkeeper Waite for 1-0 lead.
