Blackburn on target for Sandals

Western Bureau:

Sandals South Coast FC ended a four-game losing run in the Red Stripe Premier League yesterday with a surprising 1-0 win over Harbour View FC at the St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex in Santa Cruz.

It was Sandals' first win of the year, and coach Aaron Lawrence commended his January signing, Claudious Blackburn, whose lone goal in the 67th minute got them over the line.

"It is a great feeling to see young Blackburn come in and make a difference. I knew he had the quality, so that's why we went after him," said Lawrence who also applauded a man-of-the match performance from schoolboy Nazime Matalie.

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

The well-travelled Blackburn, who was picked up from last season's relegated team Maverley-Hughenden told The Gleaner that he is looking to reach new heights under the guidance of Lawrence.

"In January when I spoke to Aaron, I liked the ideas he had, and I think that he is the right coach at the moment to push my career forward. I believe this is someone I can learn a lot from, with his knowledge of the game dating back to the 1998 World Cup," said Blackburn, a former Harbour View and Cavalier Premier League player.

"People would say our morale is down because we are in the relegation zone, but the vibe in the club is great. We have been pushing it in training and working hard. This victory is very good for us," he added, noting that they still have to work even harder to get out of the relegation zone.

Sandals remain in 11th position with 19 points after yesterday's victory. Harbour View are sixth on 30 points.