Adrian Frater, News Editor

Gully Ambassadors' Asornie Binger (right) and Granville's Whitcliff Campbell battle for possession in Monday's St James FA/Sandals Division One first-leg final, at Jarrett Park. Gully Ambassadors won 2-0. - photo by Adrian Frater

WESTERN BUREAU:

THE ST JAMES Football Association's (StJFA) Hart & Son Senior League title and the Sandals Division One crown seem destined for the North Gully community following Monday's first-leg semi-finals in both competitions at Jarrett Park.

In the feature game, the Hart Senior League contest between Seba Youths and Violet Kickers, Seba were in fine fettle, scoring a 4-0 win courtesy of an impressive four-timer from lanky striker Terrence McIntyre, who scored twice in each half.

"Our aim coming into this game was to make the second leg of this final a mere formality and we think we have done that," said Seba Youths' striker, Jermaine Salmon. "With this 4-0 lead going into the second leg, I cannot see us losing again."

Toiled long

In the Sandals Division One game between Gully Ambassadors and Granville, the Edwin Alcock-coached Ambassadors were made to toil long and hard before securing victory through second-half goals from Everton Lewis and Donavan Greenfield.

"We did not play as well as we could, but the important thing is that we got the result we wanted," said coach Alcock of the 2-0 victory. "We will be looking forward to a much-improved performance in the second-leg game," he said.

In their game against Violet Kickers, Seba Youths dominated the early exchanges and it was no surprise when they took the lead in the 31st minute. A looping cross from the right flank found McIntyre unmarked before the goal and he nodded in easily, making the score 1-0.

With the Violet Kickers defence under pressure, they conceded a penalty in the 35th minute when a defender handled the ball. McIntyre made no mistake from the spot, making the half-time score 2-0.

In the second half, McIntyre was again on target when Seba Youths were awarded another penalty in the 75th minute and he again converted from the spot. McIntyre completed the goal spree in the 78th minute when he capitalised on a defensive error and slotted in, ending the contest at 4-0.

Got the lead

In the other game, Lewis gave Gully Ambassadors the lead in the 70th minute when he pounced upon a bouncing ball before the goal and flicked a neat header into the roof of the net.

With time running out, Green-field intercepted a rebound in front of the goal and, with several defenders closing in on him, cracked a fierce shot past the helpless goalkeeper, making the final score 2-0.