Adrian Frater, News Editor
Godfrey Stewart's Ryan Smith (right) holds off the challenge of a Cornwall College defender in yesteday's Ben Francis Cup KO game in St. Elizabeth. Cornwall College won 2-1. - ADRIAN FRATER PHOTO
WESTERN BUREAU:
CORNWALL COLLEGE booked their place in the semi-finals of the Ben Francis Knock-out competition yesterday, when goals by skipper Omroy Wilson (penalty) and Andre Lee gave them a 2-1 victory over Godfrey Stewart in their replayed quarter-final game at Munro, St. Elizabeth.
"I am happy that it is finally over," said Cornwall College's coach Dr. Dean Weatherly, reflecting on the unplanned trilogy of matches between the teams.
"Three games in such a short time has taken a major toll on my players and we just needed to get this over with," he said.
GAMES REPLAYED
Last Wednesday's original fixture between the teams at Jarrett Park ended prematurely in the 73rd minute due to a power outage in sections of Montego Bay. Godfrey Stewart were leading 2-1 at the time.
In the first of the two replayed games at Rusea's on Saturday, unruly spectators wrecked the game in the 39th minute with Cornwall College leading 2-0.
"I thought we played an excellent game today and it is just unfortunate that we gave up the two goals that cost us," said Godfrey Stewart's coach, Carl Palmer, whose team lost for the first time this season. "I think Cornwall College should consider themselves quite a lucky team because we clearly had the better of the action."
LIVELY ACTION
The game, which was keenly contested, started with a bang for Godfrey Stewart when they took the lead in the third minute. On a break from midfield, Ryan Smith capitalised on an error in the Cornwall College's defence and fired his shot on target, making the score 1-0.
Finding themselves trailing, the Cornwall College team went into overdrive and were rewarded in the 11th minute when the referee spotted an infringement in the Godfrey Stewart goal area and ruled penalty. Wilson made no mistake from the spot, making the score 1-1.
The remainder of the half produced exciting action with both teams creating chances but wasting them. At the break, Godfrey Stewart looked more composed but were clearly having difficulties penetrating the compact Cornwall College defence.
EARLY ADVANTAGE
In the second half, Godfrey Stewart again had the early advantage, forcing back the Montego Bay team with solid attacking play. During that period of dominance, they squandered two glorious chances in the 47th and 52nd minutes.
Firstly, Josemar Crooks fired wide from six yards and secondly, Smith had his fierce close range free-kick brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Tedroy Watson.
Having survived the Godfrey Stewart attacking forays, Cornwall College stormed back in the 60th minute and grabbed the all-important clincher.
The wily Lee split the Godfrey Stewart defence with his deft dribbling and then cracked a firm grounder which rocketed past a helpless goalkeeper Dennis Taylor, making the score 2-1.
