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'Special' goal delights McFarlane

Published:Tuesday | February 11, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Davian Garisson (right) of Rivoli and Dwayne Holmes (left) of Cavalier challenge for the ball during the Red Stripe Premier League football match at Spanish Town Prison Oval on Sunday. Looking on is Al Nesbeth of Cavalier. Cavalier won the match 3-1. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Nodley Wright, Gleaner Writer

Tivoli Gardens forward Andre McFarlane pledged to himself, ahead of his team's Red Stripe Premier League football match against Portmore United, that he would make the best use of his opportunities. He did just that.

The 22-year-old scored the only goal in the match that gave his team a most valuable win to end a losing run and ease their relegation threat as they moved three points and two places above the drop zone, while Portmore United remained in 11th spot.

While the former Waterford High School star was happy with the win and the three points, he had another target - the eyes of Reggae Boyz coach, Winfried Schafer.

"I heard the match announcer say that the coach was here, and I wanted to put on a show for him. Once he is watching, then anything can happen. I hope I showed something," said the player who converted the only real chance Tivoli Gardens had in the match.

"This strike is a very special one for me. You see, I celebrated on the ground, I did not even get up. That is how much it meant to me," he added.

In addition to catching Schafer's eyes, McFarlane said he has his sights on earning a professional contract overseas.

"What will happen now is that I will keep working hard and scoring more goals. I really want to get a contract overseas, and only work will get me that. That will also get me in the national squad," said the player who joined Tivoli Gardens in the January transfer window a year ago, after two and a half years at Harbour View.

Beside the personal satisfaction with his performance, McFarlane was happy with the character of his team.

"The first goal and the three points are good, but it was really nice that we held on to the goal and got the three points.

"It is great because it shows the fight and that the team can hold on to a victory and fight for each other," the 22-year-old said.

He added: "This is good because the unity is coming back in the squad. There were issues, but those are behind us now. We are getting the spirit back. Everyone is working for everyone."