Denbigh happy to go into second round on winning note

DENBIGH HIGH School avenged a reverse-tie defeat this season to Lennon yesterday, running out 4-1 winners at home in their final preliminary ISSA /WATA daCosta Cup Zone H game.

Denbigh, who had booked a second-round berth on Saturday when they defeated defending champions Clarendon College, ended third in the group with 19 points, the same as second-placed Clarendon College. Clarendon College ended with a goal difference of 20 to Denbigh’s 13. Central High School topped the group with 20 points after playing to a 0-0 draw with Clarendon in the other Zone H encounter yesterday.

In yesterday’s encounter at Denbigh, the home team fell behind as early as in the ninth minute, Javaunie Bailey outrunning a defender down the right flank before dribbling inside the penalty area to easily slot home from some 10 yards.

Despite looking a bit lacklustre, it did not take long for the home team to draw level. In the 20th minute, Teo Cross received a pass on the edge of the 18-yard box before dribbling inside to score from six.

Lashawn Barnaby, with goals in the 30th and 35th minute, gave Denbigh a 3-1 lead at the half-time break.

There was not much to cheer about in the second half after Denbigh, enjoying a two-goal cushion, took their feet off the gas, perhaps already looking to the second round.

Still, Denbigh added to their tally in the 85th when Odaine Thompson scored a free kick from 30 yards.

Denbigh coach Garfield Carney said he was pleased with the performance, especially since he rested some of his top players.

“Based on the team we put out there today, I am satisfied with the win, as it does not matter the amount of goals we scored. With injuries and cards situation, we had to rest several players but the guys who went out there did their best. Finishing third and advancing to the second round is good, and we are looking forward to our first game in the second round on Wednesday when we play Belair at Manchester High,” said an upbeat Carney.