Cambridge United cop St James FA Division 2 crown
MONTEGO BAY, St James — Cambridge United outplayed Club Ville on their way to a comprehensive 3-1 win to crown themselves champions of the St James Football Association Guardian Group Division Two competition, at the UDC field in Montego Bay on Wednesday.
Playing on a wet field with large puddles of water following a heavy downpour that forced a 40-minute late kick-off, Cambridge United dominated the game with two goals from Anthony Brown, who was later named the Most Valuable Player (MVP).
A red card to central defender Aldrid Ramsey and an 85th-minute penalty conversion by Club Ville’s Chevoy Walters made for a nervous last five minutes plus stoppage time, but Cambridge United, who came into the final as favourites, managed to hold on.
Cambridge United took home the championship trophy and first prize of $100,000; Club Ville, who also earned promotion to the Division One next season, took home $70,000. Ibero Star took the third-place prize of $50,000, while Rose Mount FC were fourth and got $30,000.
Obrien Bent of Cambridge United also won the award for the top goalscorer.
Brown was well placed at the far left post in the sixth minute to sweep home a cross from the right side that beat the Club Ville defence, and landed nicely for the striker to score from close range.
Despite dominating the possession with their midfield outplaying the Club Ville team, Cambridge United failed to add to the tally until the 52nd minute when Jerome Hines caught the Club Ville defence flat-footed and beat goalkeeper Sullivan Hudson from close range.
Brown then put the game out of reach of Club Ville in the 76th minute when he scored his second and the team’s third goal, capitalising on yet another defensive mix-up.
Walters gave Club Ville faint hope when he converted a penalty kick in the 85th minute, moments before Ramsey was given a straight red card by Referee Delroy Harding.
Cambridge managed to kill off the attempted comeback and deservedly lifted the title.