Coach buoyed by Highgate's 'fighting spirit'

Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

BUFF BAY, Portland:

Interim coach Braxton Hyre left Lynch Park smiling on Sunday, after Highgate United rallied from an early deficit to defeat Village United 2-1 in their National Premier League football game.

Village drew first blood through a Shavar Campbell strike in the seventh minute.

However, Highgate drew level through Gawayne Speed in 34th minute, before Romeo Parkes scored the winner in the 54th minute.

"I am impressed with their fighting spirit," said Hyre.

"We now need to put away our chances, as clearly we could have won this game by at least two clear goals. This is a quality team and we will remain competitive for the rest of the season," he added.

Village United started at a swift pace and it was during one of those attacks down the right flank that Campbell was picked out by a cross from Dino Williams. He soared above defenders and headed past Highgate's custodian, Rodney Hamilton, to give his team a 1-0 lead.

Village continued to attack with Campbell, Williams, Lacon Brissett, Orlando McLayne and Troy Smith However, good defensive work and outstanding goalkeeping robbed them of a second goal.

Highgate also launched several decent offensives and pulled one back when Donovan Davis dribbled down the left flank and made a beautiful pass, picking out Speed, who fired past goalkeeper Andre Plummer in 34th the minute to level the score.

Just after the start of the second half, Village should have taken the lead but Brissett's free kick from just outside the 18-yard box, went to Shaunavon McKenzie, who fired over the crossbar in the 48th minute.

Highgate went ahead in the 54th when Richard Orrett lifted a free kick over the wall. It fell to Parkes, who fired past Plummer for a 2-1 lead.

Inspired by the second goal, Highgate launched a series of attacks through Davis, Severo Murphy and Parkes, but they could not add to the tally because their efforts were way off target.

Village United's woes worsened in the 66th minute when they were reduced to 10 players after referee Kevin Morrison gave goalscorer Campbell marching orders for violent conduct.

Coach Cassman Williams blamed complacency and inexperience for his team's demise.

"We played a good game in the first half," said Williams. "However, we failed to hold on to that lead despite creating multiple chances.

"It is early days yet but my team needs to realise that goals win matches," he added.