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Digicel Schools Football Championships
Annai squeeze past Sand Creek, aims to retain Regional title in tomorrow’s final
By Franklin Wilson in Lethem
Digicel Schools Football Championship kings of Region 9 were pushed
to the brink yesterday in their semi-final clash against a determined Sand Creek side but mustered the required drive on the straight to edge their opponents on the finish line, 2-1 yesterday at the St. Ignatius Community ground in Lethem.
The Regional champions went into the match as odds on favourites to hammer Sand Creek but were pleasantly surprised by the underdog team which, while only getting off a pair of shots to the goal for the entire first half were able to frustrate Annai which produced a wayward display in the same half.
With every passing minute pressure was mounting on Annai while Sand Creek were growing in confidence hoping that they could have toppled their rivals. But that was not to be.
The fans that came out in their numbers once again, packing the fair sized stand and also spread along the side lines were visibly becoming very impatient as Annai sent well over one dozen shots in the first half wide of the goal.
But, the champs, who will be aiming for consecutive Regional titles when they face off with St. Ignatius tomorrow from 15:30hrs in the final at the same venue were finally able to break the deadlock 11 minutes into the second half.
The nippy Nairon Williams, with a ripping left foot shot sent Annia ahead in the 56th minute after easing past the Sand Creek defence to beat goalkeeper Orlando Clement with a beauty.
The goal eased loads of pressure that was building not only on the field but also among the fans; Mayor of Lethem Carlton Beckles was also among the fans taking in the action.
But Annai’s lead did not go down too well with the Sand Creek players who were much more aggressive in their offensive plays in the second half.
The match was brought to life when Sand Creek found the equalizing goal in the 74th minute when Bronson Andrew headed in the ball from a corner with goalie Neil Allicock well beaten.
It was just reward for the busy Sand Creek team which took the fight to Annai in the final 45 minutes.
But the champs stuck to the task of downing their challengers and returned the favours with eight minutes to game time when they too headed home the winning goal compliments of a well calculated effort from Clinton Phillips in the 82nd minute.
The crowd erupted in applause when the goal was scored.
Sand Creek never gave up the fight or doubted that they could have equalized as a few more chances came their way but they were not able to capitalize on them.
When the final whistle was sounded by the Referee, both teams were applauded for putting on an exciting final 45 minutes but it was Annai which went home the happier of the two teams as they will be facing off with St. Ignatius tomorrow afternoon with only one team advancing to the national playoffs.
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