Christ Church West Central marched into the final of the 2012 David Thompson Memorial Football Classic with a commanding 3-1 victory over St Michael South Central last Friday night at the Speightstown playing field.
However, they will have to wait to find out who their opponents will be for the December 16 final at Kensington Oval after the second semi-final between defending champions The City and St Michael North was abandoned following an altercation between an official and a fan, with The City leading 2-1 in the second half.
Christ Church West Central put on a splendid display for Government MPs Mara Thompson (David Thompson’s widow), Steve Blackett and Hamilton Lashley by scoring three unanswered goals in the first 50 minutes of the game.
A double-strike from former national youth player Shane Cox in the fifth and 22nd minutes set the stage for West?Central, while Darion Lewis scored the other in the 49th minute.
In the 74th minute, Nigel Desrivieres managed to pierce the Christ Church West Central defence after custodian Oliver Hinkson had thwarted several attacks.
The highly anticipated feature match between The City and St Michael North began just how many envisioned it would, with end-to-end action, plenty of tackles and a lot of work for both goalkeepers.
The City were more assertive early on, utilizing the pace of their front three: the Notre Dame duo of Carl Joseph and Dwayne Mars and Rohan Hewitt.
Mars made the central defensive pair of Nicholas Collymore and Shane Jones work as his pace and strength allowed him to get behind them on a couple of occasions but he lacked the finish.
St Michael North made their effort count in the 31st minute when Jones moved from his defensive position to powerfully head a Troy Parris free kick past the helpless Andre Small in The City goal.
The game became open at this point and St Michael North seemed a bit more comfortable. However, their comfort turned to complacency as they allowed a 42nd minute equalizer by skipper Jeffrey Williams.
Williams and Mars traded a series of one-touch passes from midfield, unlocking the St Michael North defence with ease. Mars’ final pass was perfectly weighed as it sent Williams into the penalty area, leaving Tazeo Riley without a chance against his ferocious right foot drive.
The City seemed determined to go to the final as their energy level surpassed their opponents’ and Williams roved around the midfield, calling the shots.
It was Williams who broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute.
FIFA accredited referee Trevor Taylor spotted an infringement in the penalty area and ruled a penalty, which Williams confidently stepped up to take, sending Riley the wrong way and The City one step closer to the final.
The keenly contested encounter ended prematurely when there seemed to be an incident involving an official and a spectator. With the official showing discomfort and fear for his safety, referee Taylor decided, along with the organizers, to blow off the game.
Tournament co-ordinator Mark “Bob” Forde announced that the remaining 20 minutes would be played at a time and venue to be announced.
