Burley on form for Petersfield

A double strike from Khamali Burley helped Petersfield High School book a spot in the final of the ISSA/WATA Ben Francis Knockout Cup, getting the better of Port Antonio High School 3-0 at the Juici Patties Park, yesterday.

In the other semi-final Charlemont High School edged Lennon 1-0 to secure a spot in their first-ever final.

Burley, who had not scored since the first round of the daCosta Cup, netted in the 25th and 65th minutes. Shewayne Barton got the other goal for Petersfield. When asked about his comeback to form, he told STAR Sports that he knew he had to step up.

"It means a lot to me and the team because we really needed it today, so I had to step up and help," he said. "I will be looking to help my team over the line next week again. We really want this because our school has never won a title, neither Ben Francis nor daCosta Cup. So it would be a wonderful experience for the school, community, and team for us to win our first title."

Burley was also full of praise for his teammates.

"The goalkeeper has been exceptional, our back four has been doing well also, and the entire team has been performing to the best of our ability. We are just looking to take the good performance into the final."

REDISCOVERED HIS FORM

Coach of Petersfield, Maurice Duncan, applauded the performance of this team overall, but singled out Burley, whom he believes couldn't have rediscovered his form at a better time.

"Early in the season, he missed a lot," Duncan said. "At one point we put him on the bench to see if it would make a difference with him as a substitute, but it didn't work. However, we had to go all out and we knew he could play, so we kept him out there, and now we're getting the goals so we are grateful. It was a collective effort, all the players put in their part and he just put the icing on the cake. With teamwork, we will achieve our objective. The players played well apart from a few mistakes here and there. I'm really pleased, first time in a final with three goals in the semi-final, what more can I ask for?!"