“We were in Jabloteh’s half for the entire second period but as I would say, pressure don’t win matches…goals do!” exclaimed a disappointed DIRECTV North East Stars head coach Shurland David following his team’s 1-0 defeat against San Juan Jabloteh in the Final of the FA Trophy on Friday night at the Marvin Lee Stadium.
Stars conceded in the 2nd minute of play when Jabloteh’s Kennedy Hinkson took on makeshift left-wingback Kevaughn Connell into the area before flashing a shot past goalkeeper Michael Woods and into the far netting.
Stars backed by a very large turnout of supporters and a number of goalscoring opportunities failed to bounce back after conceding early.
“We had opportunities and didn’t bark,” continued David.
“Their keeper(Cleon John) had a great game while we just couldn’t score.
“We are very soured by the defeat. We conceded a very soft goal that cost us the game.
“But all kudos to Jabloteh, they wanted it more than us in the first half.”
North East Stars walked away with the $40,000.00 runners-up prize money while Jabloteh took the Trophy and $80,000.00 winners prize.
David who led the Stars to the Lucozade Sport Goal Shield title last August with a 1-0 win against Jabloteh in the Final said he will pick up the pieces and focus on the upcoming Toyota Classic(in February) and Digicel Pro Bowl(in March) knockouts.