Latest News
STETHS end Frome’s title hopes
November 14, 2024
St Elizabeth Technical High (STETHS) handed Frome an ugly 3-1 defeat, ending the Westmoreland school's title ambitions in the ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup quarterfinal football match at Llandilo Sports Complex in Westmoreland yesterday.
The result placed STETHS second in Group A on four points, and one step closer to qualifying for the semi-finals, and Champions Cup KO competition. They will face Glenmuir on Saturday at home.
STETHS will need a draw or win to secure their spot.
An eliminated Frome will join the second round of the Ben Francis KO. They will encounter McGrath on Saturday for their final match. McGrath will need a win to have a fighting chance.
HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT
In a hostile environment, Frome's Clinton Beckford curved a corner kick to open the scoring in the 21st minute, but watched shortly after as STETHS' Justin McPherson levelled the scores in the 27th minute.
Jordan Blake would double the lead in the 31st minute to make things interesting. And as STETHS continued their dominance early in the second half, Kaieem Lewis timed a perfect pass to strike home their third goal in the 46th minute to hammer the nail in Frome's coffin.
Frome's Jamaro Grant was issued a second caution card in the 82nd minute and was sent to the showers.
Shortly after, Frome's coach Cleighton Stephens was also issued a red card.
In the presence of the ISSA president Keith Wellington, shortly before and after the final whistle, tempers flared with players. Supporters of both teams also got into a scuffle which forced STETHS to quickly leave the field.
Omar 'Rambo' Wedderburn, STETHS' coach, said he appreciates the players' effort.
"Sometimes games will be rough and some will be easy. In the quarterfinal round, you expect every game to be competitive. You only look for three points because the position that we were in, only that could give us an ease towards the next game," he said.
"I think the guys came and dug deep. I really appreciate the win," Wedderburn said.
Meanwhile, Stephens said his team fell asleep during the game.
"It was a disappointing way to end the season again. We came out fighting and scored an early goal, but I don't know what really happened," he said.
"We just have to regroup and focus on the Ben Francis (KO) now. We lost on the weekend and it was like it was still playing on them. I thought they recovered because they were in high spirits, but that is football," Stephens explained.
WOUNDED MUNRO
In Group B, Central High and Ocho Rios are tied on two points. Both schools played to a 1-1 draw yesterday. Central are second by virtue of an inferior goal difference. On Saturday, they will face a wounded Munro who were demolished by Group B leaders Garvey Maceo yesterday. The winners have four points.
Both Central and Ocho Rios will need a win to boost their chances of advancing to the semi-finals and Champions Cup, depending on goal difference.
Ocho Rios, will tackle Garvey Maceo at Drax Hall in St. Ann in their final match. Munro, on a point, are at the bottom of the table and will host Central High.
Munro are on life support and will need to win big to have a chance at advancing.
