CHALLENGE CUP - Meadforest moves past Progressive in the Challenge Cup

Meadforest advanced to the second round of the Popeye’s Challenge Cup when they defeated Progressive FC 2-1 yesterday in round one action at the Bell Chung Oval.

Fabiki Farquharson opened the scoring in the 20th minute before Jermaine Morgan doubled the lead in the 75th.

Progressive pulled a consolation back through Tevonne Miller in the 77th.

It was a strong start from both teams as they each fashioned their share of chances.

But it was Meadforest who opened the scoring when Farquharson added his name to the scoresheet.

The stocky forward had a chance at goal in the 19th minute but fluffed his lines at the pivotal moment, lobbing the ball over the crossbar.

He made up for his mistake a minute later, this time weaving through a crowd of bodies in the penalty box to fire low into the bottom right corner.

Meadforest pressed their advantage and came close to doubling their lead before the half-time whistle.

Farquharson played the role of provider this time around, drawing the goalkeeper off his line but was forced too wide to attempt a shot at goal.

Instead, he played the ball into the path of Morgan, who could not hit the target.

Farquharson continued having a brilliant evening in the second half and came close to a second four minutes after the restart.

Picking up the ball outside the box, the striker sent a well-driven effort that flashed wide of the post. 

Progressive should have pulled level in the 70th minute when Xevourio Marshall had a shot at goal from close range, but a last-ditch save from goalkeeper Damion Hyatt protected Meadforest’s lead.

Meadforest again came close to their second when Morgan was let through on goal in the 72nd minute, but he dragged his shot wide of the mark.

He made up for the missed opportunity three minutes later when presented with a similar chance, this time rolling the ball into the back of the net.

Progressive pulled one back two minutes later after a goalkeeping error from Hyatt.

Miller fired a speculative effort from distance that should have been an easy save for Hyatt.

But rather than taking the safe route and collecting the ball with his hands, Hyatt opted for a first-time clearance and had to watch in embarrassment as the ball flew between his feet and into the back of the net.

Hyatt came close to making a similar mistake in the 78th when a free kick was sent in his direction and the goalkeeper hesitated to use his hands and had to improvise, making an awkward clearance with his knee.

The win means Meadforest will advance to the second round of the Challenge Cup, where they will face off against one of the six victors from round one or the fourth-ranked Jamaica Football Championship team.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com