BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER a match that went into extra time with neither teams being able to find the back of the net, penalties were the order of the night and this saw Conaree FC defeating S.L. Horsford’s St. Paul’s in the first of the best-of-three Finals in the 2013 SKNFA Digicel Premier Division Championships.
Playing before a packed Silver Jubilee Stadium, both teams provided patrons with an action-packed evening from the moment the first whistle blew, but they failed to capitalise on the many created chances.
St. Paul’s however had the bulk of the better chances but poor finishing helped to push the game towards extra time.
In the final minute of regulation time however, St. Paul’s fans and supporters thought their team had the game covered when a powerful Rasheed Hodge shot beat Conaree's goalkeeper, but it unfortunately ricocheted off the frame of the goal.
The 30-minute extra time saw both teams continuing to trade blows but with no significant effect.
However, similar to the expectations of St. Paul’s fans and supporters, those of Conaree thought they had it won when a dipping and curling shot from Kadeem Lewis fooled them into thinking that the ball went into the back of the net as it rippled. The ball had however sailed over the goal and landed behind the net.
The extra time was over and the game had to be determined by penalty kicks, which brought more tension and drama at the Silver Jubilee Stadium.
Conaree was first to kick and successfully converted the penalty while St. Paul’s failed in their attempt. Conaree then proceeded to convert another penalty and this was followed by another miss by St. Paul’s.
A third straight make by Conaree meant that St. Pauls had to score their third kick in order to remain in the game. The kick was successfully converted but a fourth straight make by Conaree gave them the victory as it was impossible for a St. Paul’s comeback.
Speaking after the game, St. Paul’s Coach Austin ‘Dico’ Huggins said he felt his team was nervous but dominated most of the play in the match.
“It is the first game...I guess the guys were nervous. We dominated the game fully. We had plenty corners, umpteen set pieces but we failed to capitalise.”
He also stated that his team has to work on their finishing if they are to be successful in game two.
Conaree’s Coach Lester Morris was delighted at his team’s performance and had praises for his players following the victory.
“I am quite ecstatic and quite elated. Words can’t express how I am feeling right now. I must tip my hat to my boys, they soaked up a tremendous amount of pressure and I think football was the winner tonight.”
He also stated that he believes his team could finish off St. Paul’s in the second game.
“I think we can! I don’t know if Errol would be back; he would have taken a cut over the eye and in thinking about the guys his blood pressure went up. We have three days to see if he will be available. If not, we will have to go back to the drawing board. But I think we would be ready.”
The second game of the Finals will be played at the same venue on August 21 at 8:00 p.m.
