Kelly and Richards JAMAICA advanced to next year's final round of the CONCACAF Under-20 World Cup qualfiers with a 4-0 win over Grenada at the Harbour View Mini-stadium yesterday.
Two teams from CONCACAF will qualify for the 2001 Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.
It was Jamaica's third victory in a row as they dominated the Caribbean Zone.
Christopher Nicholas in the 11th minute, his seventh goal of the tournament, Dwayne Richards (16th), Keith Kelly (73rd) and Fabian Blake in the 81st minute were the scorers for Jamaica.
The margin of victory suggested a comfortable win for the home team who did not concede a single goal in the tournament but it was an inconsistent display by the players. They began to attack early but never really looked in control.
All this changed in the 11th minute when the team and perhaps the tournament's most valuable player, Nicholas, opened the scoring. It was however left flank player Woolery Wolfe who did most of the work.
The wiry player broke down the left flank as is his fashion, leaving a number of defenders behind in the process. As he got close to the goal line he swung a perfect cross behind the defence onto the head of Nicholas who could not miss. He did not.
The goal spurred the team into attack and they added a second in the 16th minute as Richards bundled home from a melee.
Jamaica were to lose their shape about 10 minutes later as Nicholas fired a long-ranged effort at goal before going down clutching his ankle. After treatment he returned only to go down again soon after and be replaced by Blake.
In the second half the team continued looking as if they had no real purpose. They had an opportunity in the 66th minute when the very busy Wolfe, worked his way in the Grenada area and had his shot blocked by goalkeeper Jason Lewis. His defence in trying to clear the ball kicked into his arms but referee Ramesh Ramdhan did not call a back pass.
Within a minute of entering the game Ezra Prendergast made his presence felt, assisting in the team's third goal. He recived a pass from Omar Daley who collected a throw, knocked it to Blake who relased Kelly into the 18-yard box. Kelly picked his spot and beat James.
Following Kelly's strike, the Jamaicans again found themselves in a mood to play. They showed greater urgency and attacked the Grenadian goal with regularity.
Blake's goal was perhaps the best in terms of effort. Richards, operating on the left wing, ran himself almost out of breath to catch a long pass down the left. Upon catching the ball close to the corner flag he crossed one time for Blake to steal in at the near post and head past James. The entire Jamaican bench got up and applauded the effort.
It was then time for the happy hour as the Grenadian defence opened up like a sieve. Chances were created and missed with Kelly getting chances to complete his hat trick.
Technical director Clovis de Oliveira said he was pleased with the way his team performed while coach Allister Dedelotte of Grenada said Jamaica were physically and technically stronger and better than his team.
In the opening game Dominica drubbed the Cayman Islands 5-0. Ergel Smith scored in the 26th and 27th minutes, Colin Bernard also got a double scoring in the 33rd and 60th minutes. A defender was responsible for the other goal.
By Nodley Wright
Staff Reporter
