Adrian Frater, News Editor
WESTERN BUREAU:
GRANVILLE FC defied the odds on Tuesday afternoon when they scored a hard-fought come from behind 2-1 win over Sandy Bay FC in their crucial rescheduled top of the table clash Zone A clash to earn the right to meet mid-season champions Negril FC in this Saturday Captain's Bakery Western Super Football League end of second round final.
The Sandy Bay team, beaten mid-season finalists who were favoured to win the game for a second showdown against Negril, took a first half 1-0 lead through top striker Melville Donald.
However, the resolute Granville stormed back to secure victory through second half goals by Rodney Hines and Landel Fisher.
"It was one of our toughest games this season as it was end to end action from start to finish," said Granville's assistant coach Tracy Reid. "I was most encouraged by the way my team handled both the waterlogged condition and the sustained pressure from the Sandy Bay team."
The game, which was keenly contested, saw Sandy Bay enjoying the better of the early action with Omar Nelson, Carlington McFarlane and new midfield star Kevin Bowen combining well in attack. However, a combination of sound defending by Granville and the difficult underfoot conditions kept them off the scoresheet.
LOOKING TO TAKE CONTROL
With Granville gradually coming into their own and looking to take control, Sandy Bay took the lead in the 35th minute when the prolific Donald found himself with space before the opposition's goal and fired home, making the half-time score 1-0.
In the second half, the action remained fast paced and exciting with both teams all-out in attack. After a few close misses, Granville drew level in the 65th minute when the hard-working Hines breached the Sandy Bay defence and fired past the Sandy Bay custodian, making the score 1-1.
With time running out and both teams gunning for the clincher, Granville reaped success when on a mission forward, the veteran Fisher caught the Sandy Bay defence out of position and gleefully accepted the scoring opportunity that opened up, making the final score 2-1.
"Although I am somewhat disappointed as we were looking to make the end-of-round final, it was a good game so we can't complain too much," said Corporal Craig Oates, the coach of the Sandy Bay team. "We are still confident that we can win this competition and hopefully go on to qualify for the Wray & Nephew National Premier League (NPL)."
In addition to the Captain's Bakery Trophy, the winner of the competition will qualify for the Wray & Nephew NPL qualifying competition, which will feature the other confederation champions across the island. The two finalists in that tournament will qualify for the 2006-07 NPL competition.
