ST JAMES, Jamaica— Flankers FC took a 2-1 lead over Granville United after Saturday’s first leg semi-final in the St James Football Association Sandals Resorts International Major League played at Sam Sharpe Teachers College.

Denri Williams staked Flankers FC to an early 2-0 lead even as they were playing with 10 men from the 16th minute after Kamana Christie was sent off by referee Delroy Hardin for a cynical tackle on Odane Snow just outside the centre circle.

On Sunday, Reggae Youths will take on Cambridge FC in the other semi-final to be played at the UDC Field, starting at 3:00pm.

Reggae Youths topped the points tables with 28 points, two more than Flankers FC, with Granville United third with 23 points and Cambridge FC on 20 points.

After stumbling late in the season, Reggae Youths finished strong with back-to-back wins, beating Heights FC 11-0 last week and coming from behind on Tuesday to beat Lilliput Rovers 2-1.

One of their losses late in the season was to Cambridge FC when they played with a depleted squad, but they are expected to be back to full strength for the semi-finals.

Cambridge FC have fought their way back from near disaster, losing points for two games where they used an ineligible player and having slipped all the way down the tables before rallying in the second round.

The South St James club could have secured their place in the semi-finals from the previous round but were beaten by Lilliput Rovers before once again rallying against Granville on Tuesday to draw 1-1.

On Saturday, Williams, who had scored four goals all season, was well positioned to score from close range in the 14th and 24th minutes as they beat Granville United for the third time this season.

Arlando Calvert pulled a goal back for Granville United when he converted a penalty in the 84th minute, setting up another close game in the return leg on Thursday.