Fogo grab advantage
Published:Wednesday | June 29, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Adrian Frater, News Editor
WESTERN BUREAU:
Fogo United took a giant step towards earning a spot in the finals of the 2010/11 St James FA Claro Senior Football League on Monday afternoon, when they scored a come-from-behind 2-1 first-leg semi-final win over Granville City at the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) playing field in Montego Bay.
In what was a keenly contested game, Fogo United, who trailed 0-1 at half-time, scored through player/coach Al McFarlane and Duwaine Miller. Granville City got their goal from Damion James.
"It was a keenly contested game and, based on what I saw today, the second leg should be an equally exciting encounter," said Lilli-Mae Crawford, the competition's coordinator. "Both teams are quite keen on making it to the final."
The deciding second leg semi-final will be placed next Monday. The winner of the tie will meet the winner of the second semi-final between Little Miami and Montego Bay Boys Club (MBBC) in the final.
The first-leg semi-final between Little Miami and MBBC will be played tomorrow at the UDC playing field. The second-leg game will be played next week Thursday at the same venue.
In Monday's first leg clash, Granville City got off to an impressive start and were justly rewarded with a goal in the 19th minute, this after Miller found himself with space in the heart of the Fogo defence and fired home easily, making the score 1-0.
Infringement
With time running out in the half, Fogo struck back in the 45th minute when the referee spotted an infringement in the Granville City goal area and awarded a penalty. Player/coach McFarlane made no mistake from the spot, making the half time score 1-1.
In second-half play, both teams were quite enterprising in their play, taking turns in attack as they searched for the clincher. However, it was Fogo who found the winning goal in the 78th minute when Miller fired home from close range, making the final score 2-1.
The champion team will take home the St James/Claro Trophy and $150,000. In addition, the new champion will also qualify for the 2011-12 Captain's Bakery & Grill Western Super League.