Adrian Frater, News EditorWESTERN BUREAU:
MT. SALEM started their campaign in the 2005-06 Captain's Bakery/Western Confederation Super League in fine style yesterday afternoon when goals by Garth Johnson and Anthony Mowatt gave them a 2-0 win over Clark's Town in their Zone A fixture at Jarrett Park.
"I don't think we played a great game because we were not as composed as we should be," said Mt. Salem's coach, Everton 'Byrna' Burnett. "However, this is the first game of the season so we are fairly satisfied with the result."
Mt. Salem had the better of the early exchanges but, except for a good opportunity in the fifth minute when Johnson's got away before the goal but had his shot brilliantly blocked by goalkeeper Rodney Hamilton, they posed little threat to the Clark's Town goal.
Clark's Town came to life in the 10th minute when the fleet-footed Ricardo Howell sped away from the Mt. Salem defence but he worked himself into a difficult position and when he did manage a shot, it went straight at goalkeeper Garfield Johnson.
GOOD OPENINGS
Late in the half, both teams again created good openings but failed to capitalise. In the 35th minute, Mt. Salem should have scored when Eshane Wilkenson got behind the Clark's Town defence but fumbled badly with the goalkeeper at his mercy. Two minute later, Clark's Town created a good opening through Omar Bailey but his shot on goal was a tame one.
Mt. Salem started the second half looking much more organised and resolute. They got a glorious chance in the 52nd minute but it was wasted. On mission out of midfield, Wilkenson sped into the Clark's Town goal area but he hesitated and the alert goalkeeper left his line smartly to block his path.
With Mt. Salem looking increasingly ominous and launching regular raids on the Clark's Town goal, they took the lead in the 64th minute. Johnson picked up a ball close to the halfline and ran away from the Clark's Town defence before cracking a fierce shot past the helpless goalkeeper, making the score 1-0.
Clark's Town got a glorious opportunity to pull themselves back into the game when they were awarded a penalty in the 75th minute after Howell was fouled in goal area and the referee ruled penalty. However, Nigel Ellis booted the ball straight at goalkeeper Johnson.
With time running out in the game, Mt. Salem sealed the issue in the 89th minute. Mowatt broke away from the tired Clark's Town defence and squeezed his shot between the goalkeeper and the near post, making the final score 2-0.
