Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
Seba United's Norman Foster (right) shields the ball from Rivoli's David Lewis (left) during the Wray and Nephew National Premier League match at Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday. Seba scored a come from behind 3-1 win. - ANDREW SMITH/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR
SPANISH TOWN:
A BRACE by Ricardo Geddes and one goal from Wilfred Smith carried Seba United to a 3-1 drubbing of Rivoli United in their Wray and Nephew National League second round match at the Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday.
The match which was poorly attended saw Rivoli taking the lead through a Derrick Planter goal in the eight minute. Planter scored after dismissing his marker and beat goalkeeper Alrick Henry with a ferocious left-footer.
Seba responded well, but they were prevented from scoring by stout defending throughout the remainder of the first half.
On the resumption, however, things changed quickly, and in the 59th minute Smith received a pass from Norman Foster and he rose to skilfully flick past the Rivoli custodian and tie the score at 1-1.
In the 88th minute Smith ran around his markers and flicked the ball past an advancing Rivoli keeper, effectively muting the cheering Rivoli fans as the Montegonians took the lead at 2-1 and the final whistle not far off.
They would add one more goal in the 92nd minute as Geddes wheeled his way through a sea of Rivoli players and let fly a right-footed shot that gave the keeper no chance.
GIANT KILLER REPUTATION
Seba, who came into the match with the reputation as a giant killer, having outscored Village United 4-3 in their previous match, played the more cohesive brand of football and pressured the Rivoli defence throughout the game.
In fact, it could have been more goals for Seba had it not been for several hurried saves by the Rivoli custodian.
Rivoli now have 13 points and are threatened with relegation, while Seba have momentarily eased such fears after moving fourth from bottom to 16 points.
The coach of Rivoli, Anthony Thompson, blamed lack of discipline and focus as reasons why they lost the match.
"We should not have lost this match, having led one goal to nil. The players seem to be lacking the necessary discipline and the will to win and it is for this reason why we have lost the game. It forces us to go back to the drawing board and seek a way forward."
Heron Gray, the coach of Seba, said his team played according to plan.
"We played the game to a tee, and the players were focused, showing us that they have it in them to win. We can only get stronger from here forward, and it shows that this Seba team has the will to win and we dare any team to beat us at Jarrett Park.
In the curtain raiser, Seba beat Rivoli 2-1 in the JFF Under-21 league.
GOALSHEET
Rivoli 1
Derrick Planter 8th
Seba 3
Wilfred Smith 88th, Ricardo Geddes 60th, 90th.
