Defending champions St George South flirted with danger before defeating Christ Church West 4-2 on penalties in the quarter-finals of the David Thompson Memorial Constituency Councils’ Football Classic on Friday at Boscobelle.
The second quarter-final was also intriguing as St Andrew also advanced to the semis in dramatic fashion.
The rural riding edged St Michael North 1-0, courtesy Darico King’s extra-time effort in the 113th minute after neither team scored in regulation time.
But the big story of what was heading to be a Black Friday night for the Ellerton-based title holders was their great escape at the chilly St Peter venue.
Down 1-2 in the dying moments and seemingly on the way out of the popular football competition, Romario Watson, for the second time in as many matches, saved St George South’s blushes with an injury time equaliser.
After neither team broke the deadlock in extra-time, St George South displayed superior accuracy from the penalty spot to win 4-2 and break the hearts of the Christ Church West players and their supporters.
Watson, Shaquan Clarke and national players Shane Codrington and Shakille Belle all converted their penalties for St George South, with only Ramon Beckles missing.
Rommell Bynoe turned from likely hero to villain as he and Nicholas Jones missed their spot kicks, while experienced midfielder Zidkigah Samuel and Akeem Hill scored for Christ Church West.
Earlier, talented midfielder Rosean Brathwaite gave St George South an early goal in the 16th minute but Bynoe equalised on 25 minutes to leave the scoreline 1-1 at half-time.
Hill put Christ Church West ahead in the 65th minute, setting the stage for an exciting final 25 minutes in regular time, with St George South pressing for the equaliser. Just when it seemed the boys from Christ Church West would oust the champs, Watson conjured up another goal. (EZS)