Cavalier SC and Central Kingston FC both advanced to the semi-final round of the Alliance MoneyGram/KSAFA Under-17 football competition with straightforward 2-0 and 3-1 wins over Arnett Gardens FC and Duhaney Park FC, respectively, at the Constant Spring Field on Sunday.

In the first game, Dwayne Atkinson in the 33rd minute and Shaniel Thomas in the 67th minute were responsible for the goals that saw the Everdean Scarlett-coached Cavalier through to the final four.

Cavalier had bossed the game without creating any clear-cut chances, but got their deserved lead through a well-struck free kick from the wily Atkinson. The kick, which was taken from just outside the box, flew over the wall and into the back of the net, leaving the Arnett goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

Nassieff Tingle did bring out a save from Cavalier custodian Orville Smikle shortly before half-time when clean through on goal. Despite not being called upon for the entire half, Smikle showed good reflexes to parry the ball to safety, although Tingle probably should have scored.

The second half proved to be more of the same as the talented Cavalier team totally dominated the midfield against an Arnett team that was totally overmatched.

After missing a few easy chances to score, Thomas finally found the back of the net when he side-footed home a Jhevan Smith cross from the right, past the advancing goalkeeper.

To add insult to injury, Arnett Gardens central defender Damian Gentles received a second yellow card and was given his marching orders in the third minute of added time, at the end of the game.

Scarlett was pleased with the win and performance from his team that leaves the island tomorrow.

“I am pleased with the team’s performance today. We are going off Wednesday to Europe, so this was a good result for us before we depart.”

He also praised the efforts of his two goalscorers.

“Both Dwayne Atkinson and Shaniel Thomas had a pretty good game. They are both exceptional players and they both did well for us today.”

The second game followed a similar script as Central Kingston dominated the opening stages of the game against Duhaney Park before their Captain Nathaniel Campbell scored his first of two goals in the 13th minute.

His brilliantly taken free kick left Shamari Raphael a mere spectator as the ball cannoned in off the left upright and into the roof of the net. It was a classy strike from the diminutive player.

Rochaine Baker should have doubled his team’s lead shortly after, but he somehow missed a routine header at the back post when left unmarked, as his team went in 1-0 at the break.

Campbell then bagged his brace just two minutes after the restart when he calmly converted from the spot after a teammate had been brought down in the box.

Warner Brown almost gave his team a lifeline when he did well to get by his marker before firing a shot that thundered off the crossbar and back into play.

Realising the game was still not over as a contest, Central Kingston stepped up their game a notch and saw Romario Willis make it 3-0 in the 53rd minute when he tapped in from three yards after his teammate Jamar Robinson had done all the hard work to create the goalscoring opportunity.

Jaheim Blake got the consolation goal for Duhaney Park in the 75th minute with a stunning right-footed drive from 25 yards out to end his own season in style.

Central Kingston Coach Barry Brown was pleased with reaching this far in the competition this season.

“We are happy to be advancing to the semi-final round. It is the first time our Under-17 team has reached this far, so we are happy.”

He credited discipline as the main factor for the progress of the team this term.

“We are a little more disciplined this year, so we have worked a little bit harder than previous years,” he explained.

Brown also had high praises for his captain who came up trumps on the day.

“Nathaniel is a very influential player. He provides that leadership that we needed and he is always looking to get a goal,” said Brown.

The competition will take a small break after the other quarter final games are completed to facilitate the Cavalier team’s participation in a tournament in Europe.