'We can go all the way'

Anthony Minott, Gleaner Writer

Royal Lakes' technical director, Michael Panchan, believes his team can take the league crown despite giving up a second-half goal and being held 1-1 by top-ranked Black Lion, in their LIME-sponsored St Catherine Football Association first-leg semi-final match at the Spanish Town Prison Oval on Thursday evening.

This is the third time the teams have met this season and they still can't break the deadlock, as the two preliminary-round games ended in draws (1-1 and 2-2).

"This is our first year in the Major League and here we are in the top four; and I think we can go all the way," a confident Panchan said after the match.

He added: "I see areas where Black Lion are vulnerable and we plan to exploit these areas in the second leg.

"We just lapsed in defence and gave up a goal in the second half or else we would be leading right now, but I have to admit, Black Lion scored a good goal. They attacked us early in the second half, but we finished the game strongly and I hope to take this momentum into the next leg."

Sean Matthews' glancing header gave Royal Lakes a first-half lead at the 40th minute.

However, a cracker from 22 yards out from Jason Peart mid-way the second half levelled the scoreline for Black Lion.

Also, Black Lion were reduced to 10 men early in the second half as the hard-working Miguel Brown was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Mixed feelings

Manager of Black Lion, Ian Henry, had mixed feelings.

"The feeling in the camp is still high, we did well to come back and scored a goal, playing with 10 men. But we missed too many chances, and come second leg we need to just rejuvenate and put away our chances," said Henry.

The first game of the double-header was one-sided as Christian Pen, through goals from Devon 'Brazil' Wilson (32nd), Sheldon Sharpe (51st) and Deroux Brown (90th), blanked Treadways 3-0 in the LIME Division One first-leg semi-final.

The second leg for both games will be on Saturday, April 16, at the same venue.