‘Step in the right direction’ - Glenmuir coach happy with start to quarter-final round

Glenmuir High School continued to prove why they are considered the team to beat in the ISSA daCosta Cup football competition yesterday, defeating McGrath High 2-0 in their opening quarter-final Group B match at Glenmuir.

In a cagey first half, Glenmuir’s leading goalscorer this season, Orel Miller, gave the hosts the lead in the 26th minute. Miller rose highest to head home a corner from Kamari Wray and put his team in front.

Both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances for the remainder of the half, with neither side making significant progress in the attacking third.

Glenmuir, however, raised their level after the break and doubled their advantage in the 78th minute. This time, Miller turned provider, setting up Jonathan Tomlinson inside the penalty area, and he made no mistake in firing past the McGrath goalkeeper.

Despite some encouraging build-up play from Joshua Wilson, Isaac Mason and Jim Mitchell, McGrath lacked the finishing touch and failed to seriously test Glenmuir goalkeeper Justin Murray, who recorded another clean sheet in the competition.

Although not entirely satisfied with his team’s performance, Glenmuir head coach Ashani Mullings was pleased to come away with all three points.

“This was not one of our best performances this season for different reasons, including the absence of our leading defender, who is with the national Under-17 team. However, this is a new round and getting three points is a step in the right direction. It is one game at a time and we are hoping to move on to the semi-finals,” said Mullings.

Glenmuir’s next assignment will be an away fixture against Ocho Rios, and Mullings is expecting another stern test.

“Ocho Rios have been a good team whenever we have played them over the years, and we will not be taking anything for granted. We will be going there looking for another three points,” he added.

McGrath head coach Jermaine Thomas described the defeat as a difficult setback, admitting that his team failed to capitalise on their opportunities.

“Very tough one for us today, as we needed to start off on a winning note by picking up three points. I think the team failed to fire in the final third. I also think both goals were soft goals, and we will have to fix that going into our next game away to Lacovia,” said Thomas.

In the other Group B fixture, Lacovia defeated Ocho Rios 3-0 at STETHS to move to the top of the group on goal difference.

Yesterday’sResults

Glenmuir 2-0 McGrath

Lacovia 3-0 Ocho Rios