Faulkland advance to JPL after defeating Falmouth

Western Bureau

Faulkland FC booked their place in next season’s Jamaica Premier League (JPL) after winning 4-3 on penalties over Falmouth United in their second-leg semi-final of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Tier Two competition at Drax Hall in St Ann on Sunday.

The teams were locked on 1-1 after full and extra time.

Gregory Palmer, coach of Faulkland, was happy to have led the team to the JPL after many years of disappointment.

“It’s a monumental feeling, we have been working very hard for this and it’s finally here. I have been with the club from inception; we came through the ranks, and it’s a good feeling to qualify Faulkland for the Jamaica Premier League in my last season,” Palmer said.

Obrien Robinson converted a brilliant Shanoy Anderson cross to give Faulkland the lead in the 24th minute, but Falmouth United scored late in the second half to send the match into extra time. The equaliser came following a brilliant build-up play which provided the chance for Kemar Reid to rifle a shot into the roof of the net.

The extra time belonged to Falmouth. With fresh legs making an impact, they put extreme pressure on Faulkland. Patrick Shecklude got the chance to give Falmouth the lead at the start of the second half of extra time, but sent his volley wide after being left unmarked at the back post.

In the very tense shoot-out, Michael Heaven scored the winning penalty for Faulkland after the teams were locked at 3-3.

Palmer said throughout the game they tried to counter every move made by Falmouth.

“We knew Falmouth would come and try to keep our leading goalscorer Obrien Robinson quiet, but we changed the way we usually play him and that move paid dividends for us, as he scored the opening goal. We lost our shape at the end of 90 minutes and that led to their equaliser. However, we were prepared for the penalty shoot-out and held our composure,” Palmer said.

Dr Dean Weatherly, coach of Falmouth, was very disappointed after the game, as he thought they had played well enough to emerge winners.

“It was a good game, the players gave their all. We knew Faulkland would tire as the match went on, so the latter part of the second half and extra time played into our hands, but we dropped the ball at the end. When it comes down to penalty kicks it can go either way; it is just unfortunate that we were on the wrong side of it today,” Weatherly said.

“It’s not a good feeling. It is one where we just have to rebuild, refocus and come again, because our ultimate goal is to reach the JPL,” he added. Faulkland’s opponents in the final of the Tier Two competition will be either Treasure Beach or Chapelton. Their return semi-final match was postponed until tomorrow as a number of the Treasure Beach players were ill.