Clarendon College, out of Jamaica, despite fielding a second-string team, staged a comeback 3-1 win over St. Ignatius Secondary when the KFC Goodwill Football Championship continued last night at the Ministry of Education ground, Carifesta Avenue.
The first half began slowly, with the Jamaicans taking their time on the ball and focusing on buildup play alternately between the wings and the midfield. Through that type of play, Clarendon created a few chances with switch plays from the wings, utilising their height advantage.
However, St. Ignatius custodian Warren Carlos showed remarkable fortitude to keep his side from conceding with some acrobatic saves from both headers and long shots as the Jamaicans grew in confidence.
Halftime came, and the score-line remained untouched. Immediately after the restart, St. Ignatius took Clarendon by surprise with a long ball over the top, which Stephon Sprosta finished with aplomb with a well-curled shot from the right side of the box to push St. Ignatius ahead in the 46th minute.
That goal awoke the beast in Clarendon, who issued a response in the 55th minute through a thunderous volley from just outside the box. Dameon Simmons followed through to grab a rebound after a desperate dive from Carlos to equalise for Clarendon.
That first goal spurred on the visitors, who seized control of the game and continued to create opportunities. Only because of Carlos, St. Ignatius remained in the game for a while, but that quickly changed when Ronaldo Williams led another attack and finished smartly with an outside shot off his right boot to make it 2-0 in the 64th minute.
Having already scored in the first game against Bartica, Clarendon’s midfield general, Nicholy Forbes, further extended the score in favour of his side with a 30-yard rocket in the 84th minute to close the show.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago outfit St. Benedict’s College thrashed defending champions DC Caesar Fox 6-0 in their second outing of the tournament. With that win, they have secured an automatic entry into the semifinals.
Jeremiah Niles was the primary threat with a hat-trick in the 10th, 17th, and 53rd minutes, while Keanu Morean, Nesean Alexander, and Malachi Webb found the back of the net in the fifth, 29th, and 40th minutes, respectively. On the other hand, Chase Academy mauled Bartica 4-0. Bryan Wharton recorded a hat-trick in the 42nd, 45th+1, and 73rd minutes, while Bevon Jones netted in the 71st minute.
Also, VM04 edged Carmel 3-2. Arivin Djojoseparto crafted a hat-trick in the ninth, 48th, and 70th minutes. On target in the loss were Shem James and Ian Daniels in the 23rd and 51st minutes, respectively. The event continues tomorrow.
Complete Results
Game-1
Chase Academy-4 vs Bartica-0
Bryan Wharton-42nd, 45th+1, and 73rd
Bevon Jones-71st
Game-2
Carmel-2 vs VM04-3
VM04 scorer
Arivin Djojoseparto-9th, 48th, and 70th
Carmel scorers
Shem James-23rd
Ian Daniels-51st
Game-3
Clarendon-3 vs St Ignatius-1
Clarendon scorers
Dameon Simms-55th
Ronaldo Williams-64th
Nicholy Forbes-84th
St Ignatius scorer
Stephon Sprosta-46th
Game-4
St Benedict’s-6 vs DC Caesar Fox-0
Jeremiah Niles-10th, 17th, and 53rd
Keanu Morean-5th
Nesean Alexander-39th
Malachi Webb-40th
