Boys' Town keep hopes alive

... Victory signals end of Harbour View's reign as champions

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Second-half goals from Xavian Virgo and Anthony Bennett propelled Boys' Town to a 2-1 come-from-behind over Harbour View, in their Digicel Premier League football clash at Collie Smith Drive yesterday.

The 'Red Brigade', who went behind thanks to a wonder strike from the returning Fabian Taylor in the 35th, were able to come away with honours after Virgo netted in the 55th and Bennett in the 65th minutes, respectively.

The result moved Boys' Town to 59 points, five behind Tivoli Gardens, which defeated Village United 3-1 at the Ellitson Wakeland Youth Centre in Falmouth.

Boys' Town's victory also spelt the end of defending champions Harbour View's reign, who on 51 points cannot mathematically surpass Tivoli Gardens as only four rounds remain. "Starting the day five points behind Tivoli we needed to win to seriously remain in contention and today we pushed really hard," said Boys' Town midfielder, Oneil 'Bigga' Thompson, who enjoyed an outstanding game.

"We just have to do what we have to do now and if Tivoli 'buck them toe' then try and capitalise," he added.

The game began with Harbour View enjoying most of the early exchanges and it came as no surprise when they took the lead.

Taylor, who returned to the league in January due to injury, received a telling pass from the otherwise outstanding Jermaine Hue and with goalkeeper Kirk Porter off his line, he unleashed a powerful left-footer that crashed into the roof of the net.

The goal brought joy to the faces of Taylor and his Harbour View supporters, who heading into the break were no doubt wondering if the goal could have been the catalyst for a final push for the title.

powerfully driven

But Boys' Town would have none of it and immediately after the resumption they upped the tempo before pulling level through Virgo, who, met a powerfully driven grounder from Michael Campbell at the far post and directed across the goal line.

Buoyed by the goal, Boys' Town upped the tempo even further and almost scored in the 64th minute a free kick from Thompson hit the crossbar and rebounded into play, much to the delight of the home team's supporters shouting "oohs" and "aahs".

Harbour View were unable to gather themselves quickly and their defenders were thrown off by a telling dribble from Thompson, whose resulting pass close to the six-yard box triggered a melee, before the ball fell nicely for Bennett, who slammed home.

"Hats off to Boys' Town, they really played us hard. We were too relaxed from the get-go and in the end they capitalised," said Taylor.