Gall Hill’s run in the Premier League came to an end on Saturday evening as they were narrowly defeated 3-2 by Deacons FC in a thrilling Round of 16 clash at the Prime Minister’s Cup.
As the playoffs continue to generate excitement, Deacons and Kickstart Rush, who recorded a 2-1 win against Greens United in the double header, are the latest teams to reach the quarterfinals of the PMC, joining Wotton FC and St Andrew Lions.
On Saturday evening, Gall Hill, coming into the matchup undefeated in the preliminaries, fell short. The team from St John was lacking defensively and allowed the Deacons to take control.
Captained by Keon Atkins, Deacons began the first of two matches with a bang. Defender Kemar Watson scored off a corner kick (eighth) and Atkins, with an amazing run through the middle, was able to put the ball back of the net past Gall Hill goalkeeper Justin Neil (13th).
Given their horrific time in the defensive third, Gall Hill’s Captain Shakarie Mottley found the answer on the other end when he scored in the 19th minute to give his side a fighting chance.
Though trailing by one goal going into the second half, Gall Hill were not fazed. In response to the deficit, it began the second half with a bang compliments of Kydle Atherley’s goal in the 48th minute. Placed under immense pressure, Atherley took aim from within the six-yard box to level the scores 2-2.
However, the Deacons team once again went on the hunt to restore their lead, and successfully accomplished their mission thanks to the undeniable brilliance of Player of the Match and midfielder Shaquon Haynes. Gall Hill, affording Haynes far too much space, effectively allowed the dangerman to control and blast home his third goal of the Prime Minister’s Cup.
Gall Hill Captain Shakarie Mottley had the perfect opportunity late in the second half to score a sitter but sent the ball sailing over the crossbar. If Mottley had scored, the outcome might have been different for the pride of Gall Hill.
The Player of the Match receives $750 while the Goal of the Match is sponsored by Body Bliss Zone for which Haynes and Kickstart MoM Jamarco Johnson were the recipients.
Playing the other Round of 16 match, Kickstart, coached by Renaldo Gilkes did enough to secure two handsome first-half goals including a penalty scored by Johnson in the 14th minute. This was followed by a goal out of the top draw from Kymani Trotman (45+1), nailing a back pass from Johnson inside the 18-yard box.
Greens United scored a consolation goal through the efforts of Norrin Corbin, sprinting down the left for a lovely finish inside the box after outpacing the Kickstart Rush defence. It was not enough because Kickstart defenders did well to protect their marginal lead for a place in the quarterfinals. Goalkeeper Ben Everett, also, contributed by pulling off a superb one-handed diving save in the final stages of the match.
(AS)
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