BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IN an excitement-filled match that provided spectators with displays of skill and excellent ball control as well as occasional weak defence tactics, RAMS Village Superstars FC shocked MANTAB FC to cart off the FA Cup on Wednesday night (June 1) at the Warner Park Stadium.
The match started with a very fast pace and saw Village Superstars finding the back of MANTAB’s in the eight minute off the boot of Fabian Clarke.
Village Superstars however became complacent and MANTAB capitalised on the opportunity through Jermaine Carey in the 27th minute, when he received an excellent pass on the right wing, got past a weak defence, outfoxed the goalkeeper and had his team’s fans loudly cheering for the equaliser.
Despite a number of scoring opportunities by both teams, the first half ended 1-1, and it seemed as if the game was heading to overtime or penalty shootout.
However, that was not to be, because Village Superstars came out in the second half with the same zest as in the first and chalked up their second goal in the 48th minute with a header by Shaquille Pringle that had fans jumping and shouting with glee.
The game seemed all but over for MANTAB as Village Superstars continued their relentless attack, which bore fruit through a Devaughn Elliot’s goal in the 62nd minute.
MFC, however, got a sudden boost of confidence when Jermaine Carey netted his second goal of the game in the 83rd minute.
The score-line was changed yet again when Village Superstars placed the game out of the reach of their opponents with Travis Somersal making it 4-2 in the 89th minute.
With three injury time minutes added to the game, MANTAB, in a never-say-die attitude, found the back of Village Superstars’ net through Dave Charles, but too late was the cry as the match ended 4-3 in the Superstars favour.
Speaking with SKNVibes, Village Superstars’ captain Joel Jeffers said he was pleased with his team’s performance, knowing that the Final Four Tournament is just a few days away.
Asked about future plans for his club, Jeffers said, “Our plan is to go all the way to obtain the treble after we saw ourselves winning the Easter Cup and now the FA Cup. So, we are just focused on staying positive and cohesive and taking home the victory to the community and the fans.”
Although saddened by the lost, MANTAB’s manager/coach Len Harris said he could not have asked his team for a better performance.
“We stuck to our game plan tonight and did the best we can, but we made one or two defensive blunders which gave Village Superstars the upper hand. As we know, goals win games, and Village Superstars scored more goals, but the guys really put their hearts out there on the field and I’m grateful for that.” said Harris.
Village Superstars’ president Troy Hendrickson said that he and the team are really happy after winning the FA Cup, as they last won the title in 2008.
“Sunday’s Final Four match versus S.L Horsford St. Paul’s FC is our next target, and knowing that we have beaten them in our last three meetings, we are really confident in making it four,” said a confident Hendrickson.
RAMS Village Superstars FC now have a second Cup to add to their collection this season and are still hungry for more with their first Final Four match with S.L Horsford St. Paul’s on Sunday (June 5), starting 7:00 p.m. at Warner Park Stadium.
