LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter
Gregory Simpson (right), while representing Village United last season, shielding off Reno's Ricardo Brooks in a Wray and Nephew National Premier League game at the Elliston Wakeland Community Centre. That game ended 1-1. - FILE
THERE HAVE been 330 goals scored in the Wray and Nephew National Premier League this season. Harbour View's Gregory Simpson has accounted for three of those goals and he has, arguably, the best two.
The most recent one came on Sunday in Harbour View's second End-of-Round Final loss to Waterhouse at the National Stadium.
Simpson, a strapping 6' 4" utility player, collected a loose ball about 40 yards out on the left side, calmly rolled it a foot or two in front of him then released a torrid left-footed shot so fast and furious the nets may need to be replaced before tomorrow's Jackie Bell KO clash between the same two teams.
"That goal was a beautiful goal," Simpson said on Tuesday, "from it left my foot I knew it would score. It had goal written all over it."
Simpson's goal was particularly special because only two minutes earlier he had scored a header to even the score at 2-2.
The first of Simpson's two spectacular goals came on October 9 in the first round when Harbour View were hosting Rivoli United. In a similar fashion, Simpson collected a ball about 40 yards out and rocketed home a shot past the outstretched arms of the goalkeeper.
"The first one against Rivoli was from a longer distance and I wasn't sure if it was going to score because it looked liked it was going right in the 'keeper's hands," Simpson recalled. "But then it turned away from the 'keeper and ended up in the goal."
STARTED CLUB CAREER WITH VILLAGE
Simpson, 26, hails from Trelawny and represented Muschette Comprehensive High in the daCosta Cup.
He started his club career with Village United in the 'A' League and went on loan to Seba for a few months in 1996 where he played with former national players Theodore Whitmore, Paul 'Tegat' Davis and Steve 'Shortie' Malcolm. He soon returned to Village United and helped them in their promotion to the NPL, before joining Harbour View last September.
"I am hungry for a title and I have a good chance of getting one with Harbour View," said Simpson, who was also a member of the national Under-23 squad in 1999.
Speaking of titles, Harbour View are on course to win their first since 2000. Only a few weeks ago they seemed untouchable with a double-digit lead over their closest opponent in the points tables and drew comparison to English Premier League club Chelsea.
Now after a few losses and drawn games, that lead is down to eight points and the second-place team, Waterhouse, is presumably more motivated to chase the leaders after Sunday's victory.
"We have put Sunday's loss behind us," said Simpson, validating his team's preparedness to maintain their lead. "At this morning's (Tuesday) training we spoke about the loss, put it behind us and now looking forward to the third round."
Simpson also said Harbour View are focused on exacting revenge against Waterhouse in the Jackie Bell knockout semi-final at the National Stadium.
"We are focused on facing Waterhouse on Sunday," he said.
Simpson also added he is fit to return after retiring early in Sunday's game with a hamstring injury. Hopefully for Harbour View, he will be fit enough to unleash another fiery long-range shot that will add to the list of top goals for the season.
