Glenmuir, STETHS, Kemps Hill, Dinthill complete final four picture

Many-time champions Cornwall College were sent packing from ISSA daCosta Cup semi-final contention, despite a 1-1 draw with Glenmuir High in their closing quarter-final match at Cornwall playing field yesterday.

Going into the fixture, Glenmuir were on six points and just needed a point to make it to the final four, while Cornwall were on three.

The result means Glenmuir High will be joining Kemps Hill High, who clipped last year’s finalists McGrath 1-0, to make history and advance to the semi-finals from Group A.

Warmly welcomed by their home crowd, Cornwall took the lead in the 21st minute, courtesy of Shakeem Gibson. It wasn’t until the 37th minute that Ricardo Binns levelled for Glenmuir to make things interesting.

Cornwall’s Gibson was sent to the locker room in added time (90+6), for violent conduct.

Andrew Peart, coach of Glenmuir High, said it was a very competitive game.

“Cornwall were at home, needing a win to stand a chance to go through as well. They brought a very good game. I think, for us, we recognised what situation they were in and what we needed to do, and we managed that very well,” Peart said.

“Its not a game that you needed to come out and must win, it is very important that you top the group and at least get a point,” added Peart.

Meanwhile, Hector Wright, head coach of Cornwall, said a lack of composure was a key reason for not capitalising on chances.

“I just think we need to make the right choices in terms of passing the football. It is just unfortunate the guys conceded a goal, because the guys came today with more purpose,” said Wright.

“These players are resilient and always come and play,” added Wright.

Cornwall, underdogs in the game, outplayed Glenmuir in the second half, controlling possession but failing to convert on a number of easy chances.

Things would get better for Cornwall in the 21st when Gibson timed Marcane Gooden’s cross to perfection, hammering home to leave some Glenmuir fans jittery.

Conceding a goal did not sit well with the perennial giants Glenmuir, and they came hunting, much to the chagrin of the Cornwall fans.

The Clarendon-based Glenmuir fought hard and began to dominate proceedings, their efforts paying off in the 37th minute when Binns, with some beautiful play, slotted home from inside the box.

Cornwall, aware of their precarious position, weren’t about to lie down, and created chances. But Glenmuir’s goalkeeper, Justin Murray, proved equal to the task.

In Group B, St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) and Dinthill Technical High punched their ticket to the semi-finals with a 0-0 draw.

Coming into the game, STETHS and Dinthill were tied on four points, with STETHS ahead by goal difference. Both Clarendon College and Christiana High were on one, with Clarendon ahead by goal difference.

Christiana’s win meant they would end the group third on four points, and Clarendon would end fourth on a point.

Cornwall and McGrath will join Christiana and Clarendon in the quarter-finals of the Ben Francis Cup where they meet first-round qualifiers, Manchester, Ocho Rios, Garvey Maceo, and Manning’s School.

The Ben Francis Knockout will resume on Tuesday, while the daCosta Cup semi-finals are on Wednesday.

Yesterday’s results

Cornwall 1-1 Glenmuir

STETHS 0-0 Dinthill

McGrath 0-1 Kemps Hill

Clarendon 0-1 Christiana