Damion Powell

BROOKLYN, New York (CMC):

Jamaica's New York Reggae Boyz beat St Kitts and Nevis 1-0 on a Damion Powell goal Sunday to become the first team to capture the prestigious Caribbean Cup title for a fourth successive season.

In front of an effervescent crowd at the Jefferson High School Stadium, the Jamaicans celebrated a fine win and also joined St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in winning the Cup for a record fifth time.

The Reggae Boyz had captured the title in 2001 when they beat Grenada 3-2 in the final. SVG won the Cup in 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997 and 2000.

"I feel well excited right now, setting this record and setting some standard so this competition can improve in years to come," said Arthur 'Jetty' Mikes, the Jamaican coach, in a CMC Sports interview.

Mikes attributed his team's success to discipline and technical ability.

St Kitts and Nevis gave their all in a robust duel but the Jamaicans were too strong.

Winning goal

Jamaica got their winning goal on 23 minutes when a long pass from the right flank by Irvino English found the head of Powell, who made no mistake in putting the ball beyond the grasp of the St Kitts and Nevis goalkeeper Akil Byron.

Jamaican goalkeeper Maurice Evans was spectacular in denying the Kittitians' offence and was a standout in his team's triumph.

"We did not execute as well as we should have," said Larry John, the St Kitts and Nevis head coach.

"They capitaliseds on the chance they had. I think their goalkeeper was pretty outstanding. He really put on lot of pressure on us."

Good fight

Winning coach Mikes applauded the Kittitians for a "good fight".

"I have to commend St Kitts and Nevis because they've been knocking on the doors over the years, young team coming up," he said.

"So, I have to give them credit to reach this far," he added.

On their way to the title, the New York Reggae Boyz beat Barbados 4-0, drew with Columbia 1-1, swamped Dominica 8-1 and drew with Antigua and Barbuda 1-1 in the preliminary round.

They then drew with Haiti 2-2 in the quarter-final and beat SVG 1-0 in the semis. SVG took the third spot in the championship when a full Haitian squad failed to show up for Sunday's encounter and forfeited the game.