Adrian Frater, News Editor
WESTERN BUREAU:
MANY-TIME champions Cornwall College earned the right to meet Glenmuir High School in tomorrow's Ben Francis Cup KO final when a Nakia Atkinson first-half strike gave them a 1-0 win over St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) in their semi-final game at Jarrett Park yesterday.
"This victory is a tribute to the players, they have played all of four games in just nine days and it has been quite difficult for them," said Cornwall College's coach, Dr. Dean Weatherly.
"We did not play as well as we would have liked but the important thing is that we came away with a win," he said. The game started with STETHS having the better of the early exchanges and looking ominous going forward with Renario Downswell spearheading their attacks. They should have taken a second-minute lead when Kimar Smith came face-to-face with goalkeeper Tedroy Watson but booted tamely at him.
SOLID DEFENCE
Midway through the half, Cornwall College gradually began to come into their own with Atkinson working well in tandem with the wily Edward Campbell. However, their efforts came to nothing thanks to solid defending by the STETHS back four, who kept them at bay with their sharp tackling.
With action swinging from end to end, Cornwall College took the lead with a goal that came out of nothing. A sharp, low cross by Atkinson caught goalkeeper Adean Tillock napping and bounced out of his reach and into the goal for the game's decisive tally.
"Right now we can't begin to think about Glenmuir," said Weatherly. "We will have to spend some time evaluating the players and seeing about getting them properly rested."
