The battle for the second qualifying spot in Group B of the Prime Minister’s Cup came to an exciting close on Wednesday evening in Speightstown, St Peter, as Greens United edged Abrahams’ United Silver Sands 2-1 to advance to the Round of 16.
The 2024 runners-up of the competition, Brittons Hill had already tightened their grip at the top of the group, and went on to take an unassailable lead. The race was practically then on for second place, and Greens United stood resolute with a composed showing.
The lads from St George got off to a positive start when goalscorer Norrin Corbin opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, calmly slotting home after an inch-perfect assist from Xavier Webster, who set up the goal with a beautiful delivery into the box.
Silver Sands, desperate to stay alive in the competition, responded in the 37th minute through Shamari Greenidge-Lewis, whose final touch completely deceived Greens United goalkeeper Tyrel Clarke, levelling the match 1-1. That was Greenidge-Lewis’ third goal of the Prime Minister’s Cup. The equaliser also added intensity to the encounter as both sides fought for control heading into halftime. Referee Edwin Adams was kept busy in the middle.
Just before the break, Greens United came close to retaking the lead when a stunning cross found Corbin at the back post. His header looked destined for the top corner, but Silver Sands goalkeeper Jamal Moore produced a remarkable one-handed save to keep his team in the contest, one of the standout moments of the match.
In the second half, however, Greens United found the breakthrough they were searching for. Their attacking pressure paid off in the 47th minute when forward Shaine Hermas, later named Man of the Match, finished expertly to put his team 2-1 ahead, a lead they would hold until the final whistle.
Despite Silver Sands’ efforts to find another equaliser, Greens United’s backline held firm, ensuring the St. George side ended the group stage on six points, securing their place in the knockout round as the second-best qualifier from Group B.
Earlier in the evening, Brittons Hill continued their dominant run with a 4-1 victory over L&R United, sealing the top spot with nine points. Brittons Hill, one of the best football teams on the island, were clinical in attack, opening the scoring in the tenth minute when Akeil Lorde of L&R United turned the ball into his own net.
L&R United striker Demar Stone equalised in the 30th minute, but Brittons Hill stormed back with goals from Corey Hoyte (48th), Jaron Oughterson (60th), and a 90+1 minute penalty from T’Shane Lorde, who earned the Body Bliss Zone Player of the Match honours for his efforts.
With the playoffs set to kick off next week, all qualified teams will now shift focus to the knockout stages as they chase a spot in the grand final on Independence Day, November 30, where the coveted $100 000 first prize awaits the champions. (AS)
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