Maldon stun Irwin with late goal

A LATE goal by Kevin Hawthorne secured a 1-0 win for Maldon High over Irwin High in their Zone A ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup match at the Irwin High playfield in St James yesterday.

Maldon wasted many early chances, but just when many fans thought the game would end 0-0, they got their reward as Hawthorne struck the winner in the 90th minute.

Dillan Thelwell, coach of Maldon, said good planning paved the way for the victory.

“During our previous game with them, we became aware of their strengths and weaknesses. We then tried to work, mentally, with the guys to see if they can stay focused for the 90 minutes. Once they carry out the instructions, I know that we can get three points from each game,” Thelwell said.

“As for the late goal, it was a lack of composure (why they did not score earlier). Players have to understand when you are one-on-one with the goalkeeper, just try to relax and remain composed and pick your spot to get the goal,” he said, adding that the win was a “job well done” by the boys.

Maldon, after the win, remain second in the zone, with 12 points. They are ahead of Green Pond High, who also have 12 points, on goal difference. Cornwall College lead the zone with 21 points and remain undefeated following their seventh win. Irwin are fourth with six points.

Yesterday’s winners created better chances and moved the ball more proficiently throughout the game. Irwin fought hard and played a more defensive game and were disappointed to lose in the final minutes.

“With this loss, the chances of advancing have dimmed. Nevertheless, I have faith in this fresh set of boys,” Norman Foster, coach of Irwin High, said. “I lost all my players from last year. This is a young team, a team of the future. In today’s game, they showed a bit of improvement. The game started out flat, but we stepped the tempo up a bit. The defenders showed up today, and it was just unfortunate that the Maldon player got that late goal.”

Yesterday’s results

Herbert Morrison 1-4 Cornwall College

Green Pond 2-0 St James

Dinthill 4-0 Tacius Golding

Muschett 1-2 Discovery Bay

DeCarteret 1-1 May Day