Glenmuir win battle for home advantage

Ben Francis Cup champions Glenmuir High secured top spot in Group Two of the ISSA daCosta Cup second round yesterday, defeating Lacovia High 2-0 at Glenmuir to finish with 13 points.

Lacovia, who went into the match hoping to secure top spot and the advantage of playing two home matches in the round of 16, finished second with 12 points.

Glenmuir’s goals came from leading marksman Orel Miller in the 52nd minute and Jonathon Tomlinson in the 77th minute.

It was an evenly contested first half, with both teams trying desperately to take an early lead. National Under-17 player Tyraun Bembridge and Omoy Cunningham stood out for Lacovia, while Miller was among the key performers for the home team as both sides went into the break locked at 0-0.

Missed chance

Glenmuir started the second half positively and should have taken the lead in the 46th minute, but Miller missed a sitter from inside the six-yard box, kicking wide of goal.

However, he made amends six minutes later when he dribbled his way through the Lacovia defence before calmly beating the goalkeeper to put Glenmuir ahead.

Glenmuir continued to pile on the pressure and extended their lead in the 77th minute when Tomlinson scored from close range with his right foot.

For the remainder of the game, it was all Glenmuir as the Ben Francis Cup champions continued to dominate, forcing Lacovia to defend desperately to prevent the margin of defeat from increasing.

Glenmuir coach Ashani Mullings was pleased with his team’s performance, especially in the second half, as they secured the group-topping position without conceding a goal.

“It was clear we wanted to top the group and give us two home games. In the first half, we rushed the game a little too much, but in the second half they settled down, were patient, and utilised the ball more,” Mullings said.

“Now we get the chance to go into the round of 16, and the expectation is to go all the way,” he added.

Lacovia coach Wilard Douglas admitted the result was disappointing, but remained proud of his team’s achievement in reaching the round of 16.

“We wanted to get a point or three to top the group and get two home games as an advantage, but it did not work. However, we are still proud to be in the round of 16,” Douglas said.

“The first half was good for us, but the boys were flat in the second half, and they also dropped their heads when Glenmuir scored. We will now take a small break and prepare for the round of 16,” he added.

Yesterday’s Results

St James 3-4 Brown’s Town

Cornwall 4-1 Rusea’s

Manning’s 2-1William Knibb

Porus 0-0 Edwin Allen

Clarendon 4-1 Lennon

Christiana 2-2 Manchester

Morant Bay 2-2 Titchfield

Dinthill 5-0 BB Coke

McGrath 0-0 Ocho Rios

Yallahs 5-0 Ferncourt

Glenmuir 2-0 Lacovia

Old Harbour 0-3 Central