WESTERN BUREAU:GRANVILLE will take a solid 2-0 lead into this afternoon's return leg finals of the St James FA Hart Shield Premier League against Altowbar at the Ironshore Oval starting at 3:00 p.m.
Granville took the lead after Wednesday's first leg that was played at the UDC field. Two bad mistakes by the Altowbar goalkeeper inside the final four minutes allowed Granville to take the lead with Junior Talbert and Rodney Hines taking advantage.
Altowbar have a mountain to climb as in addition to starting the game 2-0 down, they will also be without striker Clive Parkinson who was shown the red card late in the game.
Referee Michael Marshall sent off the player after the assistant referee had reported that the player had used profane language to him following the second goal.
Both teams, especially Altowbar, must improve on their finishing today after Wednesday's spate of missed chances. Either team wasted numerous chances of scoring but it took mistakes by the Altowbar goalkeeper to break the deadlock.
Granville had the better of play for most of the game, especially in the midfield where their slick passing led by captain Londel Fisher often ripped holes in the Altowbar defence.
In the absence of Parkinson, Orville Campbell, Omar McKenzie and Kemar Bucknor must take up the mantle and take the game to Granville.
