Harbour View claim KSAFA/Next Gen Under-20 title

Led by ace striker and captain Tyrigue Robinson, Harbour View Football Club turned in a much improved second-half performance to defeat seven-man Arnett Gardens 2-0 in the KSAFA/Next Gen Under-20 final at the UWI Mona Bowl on Sunday.

Robinson scored a second-half brace to lead his team to the title after Arnett totally dominated the first half but failed to score.

Robinson put Harbour View ahead early in the second half, bravely getting between two defenders to power home a header from six yards.

The 17-year-old striker sealed the win in added time, with an audacious chip over Arnett goalkeeper Shawn Malcolm, who was shown the red card along with three other Arnett players towards the end of the game.

Orlando Grant was the first to get marching orders for the 'Junglists' in the 89th minute after he was late to a 50-50 ball with goalkeeper Daquan Jemison. 

Moments later, Antonio Mitchell was dismissed after abusive language to the referee. Then before the game resumed, Malcolm and Shankeno Grant were also redcarded for walking off the field and abusive language, respectively.

Despite the chaotic end to the contest, Harbour View coach Rudolph Stennett praised his team for turning it around in the second half.

"We started off the game slow, but kudos to the players. For the second 45 (minutes) we had a team talk and gave some specific instructions, but in the first half, we gave them too much respect and this is a final," he said.

Arnett were far the better team in the first half, creating numerous good chances to go in front but failed to convert.

However, after the break, Harbour View looked a totally different team and were in the ascendancy for the most part.

They took the lead 10 minutes into the second half when Robinson headed home from a left-sided cross.

As the game drew closers to the end, Arnett threw everything forward and had a couple great chances, the best of which fell to Jouvanie Douglas, who headed over from close range.

Robinson put the game to bed in added time after Arnett were caught on a counter with Malcolm off his line, and the young striker calmly lifted the ball over the out-of-position custodian to seal the win.

Arnett coach Dicoy Williams said indiscipline was a major factor in the outcome of the game.

"The discipline played a part. We were not disciplined enough on the field. We created chances, but we didn't take our chances, and that haunted us.

"The game went into Harbour View’s favour a bit, and we took it back over in the last part, but unfortunately, indiscipline took hold, and we lost a few players.

"We played a good first half and Harbour View played a much better second half. We tried to keep the discipline and stick to the way we play, but the players didn't adapt as much we would have liked," he commented.

Meanwhile, Robinson ended the season with 10 goals to take the golden boot, and his brace in the final earned him the final MVP award.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com