There were absolutely no surprises when Brittons Hill drubbed Abrahams United Silver Sands 6-0, while the University of the West Indies (UWI) Blackbirds finally secured their first three points of the season with a 3-1 victory over Deacons Club.
Playing for the first time this season this past Thursday at Dover, Christ Church, Brittons Hill came alive in the second half of the featured match, with striker Corey Hoyte bagging a hat-trick, including a penalty awarded by centre referee Cleon Culley.
Hoyte found the back of the net in the 57th and 59th minutes before converting from the spot in the 69th minute.
Facing a youthful and inexperienced Silver Sands side, Brittons Hill’s defence was tested early as their opponents pressed forward with short, quick passes. However, despite their efforts, Silver Sands failed to capitalise on their opportunities in the first half.
Coached by Richard “Juggy” Forde, Brittons Hill made a crucial substitution at the start of the second half, bringing on Romario “Kaka” Small to replace former Paradise Club central defender Zico Phillips, who had to be withdrawn due to injury.
After being held goalless for much of the first half, Brittons Hill finally broke the deadlock when a well-placed ball from the left, over the top to the pacey Hoyte, resulted in a first-time finish over the head of Silver Sands goalkeeper Shemariah Batson.
Batson, who appeared to be struggling with discomfort on his right side, was unable to prevent the onslaught that followed.
With Hoyte opening the scoring, Brittons Hill quickly capitalized on their momentum, as he netted again just two minutes later to complete his brace.
Dominating possession down the right flank, Brittons Hill continued
to press forward aggressively, creating constant problems for Silver Sands. Despite instructions from coach Paul “Soup” Lovell to challenge their opponents more effectively, Silver Sands struggled defensively.
Brittons Hill captain and central defender Engozy Reid added his name to the scoresheet in the 76th minute, while striker Arantees Lawrence sealed the emphatic win with a late brace in the 89th and 90th minutes.
In the opening fixture of the night, UWI Blackbirds finally broke their winless streak.
Deacons took the lead in the 44th minute when captain Keon Atkins converted a penalty. However, despite their early advantage, they were unable to hold off UWI and remain in search of their first three points of the season.
Meanwhile, UWI, playing in the absence of coach Fabian Massiah, currently overseas on national duty with the Barbados Under-17 team at the Concacaf Nations League in Mexico, controlled proceedings in the second half.
A superb free kick from at least 25 yards out by midfielder Jaron Oughterson in the 52nd minute levelled the score. UWI then gained the advantage when forward Shamari Harewood’s attacking play down the right forced an own goal by Deacons goalkeeper Kevon Allsopp. With the momentum in their favour, UWI sealed the victory in the 82nd minute, as Jadon McCollin slotted home the third goal to complete a well-earned win. (ML)
