TUCKER, St James — NEWLY appointed Reggae Boyz Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson says he was impressed with the turnout of spectators at Saturday’s final of the St James Football Association/Sandals Resorts International Major League between new champions Reggae Youths and Flankers FC at Wespow Park.

A good-sized and very involved crowd was on hand to see Reggae Youths beat Flankers FC 2-1 and win their first St James FA title since 2015 while qualifying for the play-off for the Jamaica Football Federation Tier II competition, set to start in March.

“It is surprising to see so many people here for this game. A lower-level game with so many fans, this is nice to see,” Hallgrimsson told the Jamaica Observer West. “It was an okay match. Both teams were equally matched and provided entertainment for the crowd and goals at the end, and I think the better team won.”

The Icelandic national, who officially started his tenure in January despite coaching the team in a few games last year, has been seen at several Jamaica Premier League games. He said, however, it was his first time watching a game at the parish level.

“I am doing it as I want to learn the football culture of football Jamaica,” he stressed, adding that, “Probably I will not select a player from this level but it is nice to see young players get the chance to play.”

The closely contested game saw all three goals coming in the final 16 minutes, plus time added.

Shadane Blagrove gave Reggae Youths the lead in the 74th minute, but that was cancelled out in the 89th minute by Ronaldo Allen minutes after he came on the field as a substitute.

Denardo Kerr, who was later named MVP, scored the winner six minutes into time added to secure the title for Reggae Youths.

Thomas Scott of Reggae Youths won the Golden Boot Award for the most goals; Flankers FC’s Roger Moore was named the top goalkeeper, while Montego Bay Boysand Girls Club won the Adam Stewart Fair Play Award.