William Knibb hold on for dear life after executing CC ambush
Published:Wednesday | November 17, 2021 | 12:12 AMKavarly Arnold/Gleaner Writer
William KNIBB’S 4-3 win over Cornwall College (CC) in their ISSA/daCosta Cup Group A home encounter yesterday came with the very last kick of the game.
CC found themselves trailing 2-0 at half-time after Tusasaine Burgess opened the scoring from the penalty spot for William Knibb in the 26th minute and Mark Lewis added another five minutes later.
Like they did on the weekend, the boys from Orange Street rallied after the break to cut the deficit in the 58th minute through Mikhail Samuels. However, Lewis restored the two-goal cushion for the hosts in the 70th minute.
The hosts would only enjoy being in the driver’s seat for two minutes, when Braxton Richards sparked another CC revival. With momentum on their side, CC thought the comeback was complete when an own goal off Keven Clarke’s scrappy defending brought an equaliser three minutes from regulation time.
However, that was not to be after CC conceded a penalty deep into time added. The CC goalkeeper guessed right on Burgess’ spot but came off second best with what was to be the last kick of the game.
Dwight Jeremiah, coach of William Knibb, said he was happy to come out of what he described as a classic encounter with all three points and believes his boys have gained experience from what was a high-pressure game.
“At half-time we said Cornwall would come at us. I’m not pleased with how we held the pressure today, but we came back so well. It was certainly a classic like we’ve had in the ‘80s, relived today. They really pushed us to the limit. It’s best to at least win and then go back and correct stuff than to come out with a draw,” Jeremiah said.
LEARNING EXPERIENCE
“I’m a bit disappointed in giving up the lead and conceding three goals. However, it’s about experience and Cornwall really pushed us today. It’s something to learn from,” he added.
CC’s coach Dr Dean Weatherly said he was not too worried about conceding early goals as he believes his young team can only learn from such a high-pressure game.
“No, we are not worried. The Irwin goal was a once in a lifetime and today we made two silly mistakes. It all comes from a lack of experience and the euphoria of winning the first match. I’m happy we regrouped and gave a good account of ourselves,” Weatherly said.
“We responded, maybe a little too late. However, it’s just one of those games and one we should learn from. For you to go forward and represent Zone A,you need games like these so you can know your mettle. We have to think positively looking ahead in the competition,” he added.
In the early game at William Knibb, St James High, through a Nicholas Samuels 58th-minute effort, came from behind to secure a point against Spot Valley High. Nevaldo Christie had opened the scoring in the game in the 36th minute.
Yesterday’s results
William Knibb 4-3 Cornwall College
St James 1-1 Spot Valley
Maldon 0-1 Holland
Irwin 0-1 Herbert Morrison
Mt St Joseph 1-4 Lacovia
Edwin Allen 11-0 Claude McKay
Lennon 0-0 Clarendon College
Glenmuir 4 - 1 Denbigh
Seaforth 0 - 1 Port Antonio
St Thomas Tech 1 - 0 Paul Bogle