Anderson’s strike gifts McGrath first Ben Francis title
Published:Sunday | December 10, 2023 | 12:16 AM
MCGRATH HIGH School were crowned 2023 ISSA/WATA Ben Francis Knockout Cup champions, defeating former champions Frome Technical 1-0 yesterday inside the National Stadium courtesy of a 50th-minute strike from Dontae Anderson.
The Jermaine Thomas-coached team were quick out of the blocks and had their opening chance in the 17th minute, Halrick Taffe finding himself with acres of space inside the Frome 18-yard box but a rushed effort saw his chance going wide.
Frome, who slowly grew into the game, came close to getting their opener through their leading goalscorer, Shevaughn Spence, but McGrath custodian Joel Davis easily gobbled up his right-footed strike.
With both teams trading goalscoring opportunities, McGrath’s David Hutchinson spanked a free kick in the 30th minute that somehow Frome’s goalkeeper Oral Davis managed to get fingertips on to, the deflection redirecting the shot on to the post before eventually being cleared.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 50th minute when Anderson pounced on a defensive error to calmly slot home his effort, beating Davis at his near post and sending the travelling supporters from Linstead into a frenzy.
Frome went into an all-out attack to grab an equaliser but a solid defensive line would not be breached.
OVERHEAD KICK
The result didn’t come easy as McGrath’s Isaac Mason, with a spectacular overhead kick, cleared a Jamaro Grant header off the line in the 70th minute.
Interestingly, as the clock ticked away, it was McGrath who were gifted the last meaningful attack of the encounter, but a rushing Jimm Mitchell couldn’t get his bearings correct in time to finish the 91st-minute chance.
Thomas was proud of what his boys were able to accomplish.
“I’m elated, happy as we played well which we’ve done all season. We lost 2-0 to Christiana in the round of 16 (daCosta Cup) and from then on, we didn’t lose a game, so I must commend the boys, the school community,” coach Thomas explained.
Cleighton Stevens, head coach of Frome Technical, said despite the defeat, he would still classify the season as a successful one.
“Congratulations to McGrath and I must say that my boys did manage to put up a good fight but it wasn’t our day. I would still stay the season was successful as we can build on this. This should have been ours but unfortunately, we didn’t get it,” said Stevens.