Michael McLean, Freelance Writer
SANTA CRUZ:
A MAGICAL display by striker Kirk Wright ended Haughton United hopes of reaching the final of the St. Elizabeth Wray and Nephew Major League when the former Reno striker fired Valu P into the final with a shocking 6-0 win in the second leg semi-final game played at the Lacovia Community Centre over the weekend.
The win gave the latter a 7-1 aggregate win and their third victory over Haughton this season. They drew 1-1 in the first leg semi-final at the same venue last Thursday. And a month ago, Valu P beat their opponent in the mid-season final.
Wright led the way scoring a hat-trick while Javian Mitchell, Sabastian Campbell and Waide Brown scored a goal apiece for the Paul Fearon-coached team.
Wright's hat-trick, his first this season, brought his scoring tally to 12, six behind Marlon Fletcher of Tafari Lions.
FIRST GOAL
Mitchell opened the scoring in the 19th minute after he picked up a pass on the left side unchallenged and kicked past Damion Harriott in goal.
The mid-season champions notched their second goal when Wright got his first in the 37th minute and Campbell scored from about 40 yards out after the goalkeeper was caught out of his goal.
Both teams continued with speedy exchanges. The first half ended 3-0 in favour of Valu P.
Upon resumption, Valu P continued with much more confidence. Wright showed the crowd that he still has a lot left in him by scoring in the 63rd and 80th minutes and setting up Brown to put the topping on the cake in the 83rd minute.
Meanwhile, a large crowd is expected to be at Goshen Sports Complex today when high-riding Tafari Lions and Middle Quarters square off to decide who will go through to meet Valu P in the final.
