Despite Edith Dalton James’ perfect start to the 2024 Inter-Secondary Schools Association (SSA)/TIP Friendly Society School Girls Football Competition, head coach Omar Taffe feels there is still work to be done if his team is to advance deep in the competition.

Taffe believes that based on the calibre of his squad, Edith Dalton James is more than capable of improving on their 15th-place finish last season and maybe making the final four this year.

Edith Dalton James secured their sixth consecutive victory on Friday, defeating hosts Campion College 6-0 in a one-sided affair in Group F action.

Felicia Brown led the way with a brilliant five-timer, as she scored in the seventh, 22nd, 28th, 39th, and 49th minutes. Captain Danishca Rattray got the other goal in the 31st minute of play.

“Well, I think the girls played a fair game today because Campion College is a very weak team, and so the girls held their own,” Taffe told Observer Online.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done because going into the second round won’t be this easy, and so we have to keep putting in the hard work. Last year we finished in the top 16 at 15th position, and so the aim is to go to the semifinals this season, and anything beyond that is a bonus for us,” he added.

The scoreboard could have shown greater numbers for Edith Dalton James, but attackers were unfortunate with a few shots, while others made poor decisions.

Edith Dalton James received a penalty kick in the 23rd minute when a Campion College player handled the ball in the area. Brown stepped up for the glory moment, but her shot went wide of the goal. Before that, her free shot from just outside the area rattled the left upright in the 16th minute.

Trevanta Danvers and Oliva Nevers were also presented with goal-scoring opportunities for Edith Dalton James, but they were soft on the chances.

Campion College had a few opportunities of its own through Sahai Panton, but the Edith Dalton James defence was up to the challenge.

-Ruddy Allen