Signal Hill Secondary advanced to the Coca-Cola National Inter-Col semi-finals yesterday, following a 1 nil victory over St Mary’s College (C.I.C) at the Plymouth Recreational Ground in Plymouth, Tobago.
A lone item from Jelanie James in the late stages of the second half proved the difference on the day, as it assured the Tobago Zone InterCol winner passage into Thursday’s semifinal against San Juan North Secondary.
It was as lacklustre a quarterfinal match-up as a football fan could imagine in recent years, as neither team registered a noteworthy opportunity on goal until the late stages of the second half.
However, in the 82nd minute, Jelanie James played hero for a second consecutive week to give the Tobago team a 1 nil lead.
The ball fell kindly to James, who headed into an open net, after Jabari Francis’ shot was spilled by “Saints” goalkeeper Regaleo Holder.
Signal Hill comfortably held on to the lead for the rest of proceedings as C.I.C failed to muster a single opportunity on goal.
The team was in high spirits after the match, and head coach Nigel de Souza believes his team has what it takes to win the title.
“We got demoted, but at the same time we have our spirits up and we are trying to bring home the title,” the Signal Hill coach stated after the conclusion of the game.
As for C.I.C, they can take solace in what was a successful season as the team placed 6th in the Premier Division standings and captured the North Zone InterCol for the first time in ten years, upsetting St. Anthony’s College in the final.
“Difficult one to take, but I think the boys gave all that they had, Signal Hill settled better, and had the edge on us today,” C.I.C’s head coach Ryan Shim uttered at the end of the match.
Signal Hill will play San Juan North, who were East Zone InterCol champion, at 3:30 pm in the first National InterCol semi-final at 3:30 pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
The later match of the round will see South Zone winner’s Shiva Boys Hindu College take on Carapichaima East at 5:30pm at the same venue.
(Teams - by Wired868.com)
Signal Hill Secondary (4-2-3-1): 25.Duvaugn Daniel (GK); 13.Giovani Sebro, 15.Darion Stewart, 6.Jokiah Leacock, 20.Jabari George; 22.Jabarry Francis (11.Kedar Combie 90+2), 7.Akiel Holdford; 10.Akil Frank (captain), 5.Tareek Richards (14.Nicholas Alfred 62), 8.Jalanie James; 9.Ronaldo Samuel (4.Jabari McMillan 79).
Unused Substitutes: 1.Isaiah Campbell (GK), 12.Dexter Cossou, 18.Keishon Small, 19.Omari Edwards.
Coach: Nigel De Souza
St Mary’s College (4-2 3-1): 30.Regaleo Holder (GK); 21.Justin Gibbon (22.Augustine Nkemakolam 85), 4.Schileon Phillip, 8.Matthaeus Granger, 12.Kevon Alonzo; 6.Justin Keith, 11.Gabriel Nanton (captain); 7.Terran Winner, 10.Michel Poon-Angeron,16.Tyrese Spicer; 19.Trey La Motte (27.Devon Charles 68).
Unused Substitutes: 1.Jordan Bidaisee (GK), 14.Elijah Bain Hares, 18.Kyle Carrington, 23.Brendon Lewis, 26.Jed Rigsby.
Coach: Ryan Shim
Referee: Keon Yorke
Wired868 Man-of-the-Match: Jokiah Leacock
Coca Cola National Intercol quarterfinals
(Monday 27 November)
Signal Hill Secondary 1 (Jalanie James 82) v St Mary’s College 0 at Plymouth;
Upcoming National Intercol Fixtures
(Thursday 30 November)
San Juan North Secondary v Signal Hill Secondary, 3.30pm, National semifinals, Ato Boldon Stadium;
Shiva Boys’ Hindu College v Carapichaima East Secondary, 5.30pm, National semifinals, Ato Boldon Stadium.
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