Daraine Luton, Freelance WriterAUGUST TOWN are a win away from the Jamaica National-sponsored KSAFA Super League crown and a spot in the National Premier League play-offs following a 1-0 win over Meadhaven at Campion College yesterday.
Nicholas Smith found the dagger in the 63rd minute a left-footed drive from inside the penalty box that squeezed through the hands of goalkeeper Andrew Gibson and into Meadhaven net.
Although it was Smith who found the goal, young Tremaine Stewart could safely stake a claim for a share in it. It was Stewart who expertly controlled a long, high ball from midfield and fed Smith a pass of pinpoint accuracy which resulted in the decisive strike.
The win takes August Town to 39 points, one more than Meadhaven, who would have won the Super League had they won the game.
With Greenwich Town their opponents next Saturday, August Town's coach Christopher Bender believes his team is almost there, but has to fight to the end.
ONE HAND IN THE PLAY-OFFS
"We have one hand on the trophy which means one hand in the play-offs. We have not lost at home all season and we intend to keep that up. In order to do that though, we have to keep our feet on the ground as the job is not yet done," Bender said.
August Town beat Greenwich Town 1-0 when the teams met earlier this year at Greenwich Town. Interestingly, Meadhaven tasted defeat by a similar margin when the teams played in the second round. They trounced Police National 5-0 yesterday to move to 28 points in eighth place.
Meanwhile, Meadhaven's coach, David Hunt, offered his "congratulations" to August Town. He blamed the loss on the failure of his strikers to convert opportunities.
Faced with Maverley/Hughen-den next week, Hunt knows the equation is simple.
"We have to win the game to have any chance. They (August Town) have taken the lead and so destiny is not in our hands any more," Hunt said.
Maverley beat Rae Town 4-1 at Breezy Castle while Santos whipped Shortwood United 8-1. Mountain View and Barbican drew 1-1 while Bull Bay and JDF played to a 0-0 draw.
