By Morissa Lindsay
Weymouth Wales as expected did not disappoint their supporters as they registered a comfortable 7-1 victory over underdogs Pride of Gall Hill to reach the semifinal round of the Barbados Football Association (BFA) Republic Cup tournament.
During last night’s quarter-finals played at the Astroturf in Wildey, a superb hat- trick scored in the 59th, 63rd and 65th minutes by attacking midfielder Romario Harewood along with two first half goals from Kemar Headley in the 44th and 45+3 and substitute Ray Snagg in the 83rd and 90+2 were good enough to hand Wales victory.
The match kicked off a couple minutes late in wet slippery conditions and the youthful Gall Hill attack had their work cut out for them particularly their defenders because Wales, one of the most formidable teams in the tournament, applied immense pressure in the scoring third in pursuit of goal.
Despite creating early opportunities, Wales failed to take their chances and guess what? It was Gall Hall and their Christ Church community that were in celebration mode in the 14th minute when Shakarie Mottley scored the opening goal.
Mottley seized a great chance to place the ball past Barbados’ number one goalkeeper Kishmar Primus who for some unknown reason came off his mark and was left for dead in the process.
Gall Hill’s backline comprising Darius Boyce, Andre Daniel, Shamari Best and Delano Callender along with captain Kyle Atherley dropping back from his midfield position when necessary to assist were all kept on their toes.
After probing and searching Wales found the back of the nets through striker Kemar Headley with a burst of speed past two defenders as he hammered it where it was intended to go to tie the scores 1-1. Headley redeemed himself after missing a clear cut opportunity earlier on at the beginning of the match.
Kickstart Genesis captain Amber De Silver (right) played well but it was not enough to see her team through to the final as they lost to FVFC Femeni in the penalty shoot-out.
While Headley found himself hurt on more than one occasion and kept physiotherapist Marita Marshall busy, it was worth it for the deadly Headley who added his name on the score sheet for the second time of the night, just minutes before half time.
While Gall Hill young goalkeeper Tyrel Brathwaite was outstanding to make a couple good saves, he was let down by his defenders.
Even though Wales won the majority of the possession, Gall Hill deserve credit for the way they played on the counter especially Shavonne Jones who caused some headaches for Wales’ backline that included Ramar Millar, Akeem Hill and Renaldo Marques, all of whom have represented their country at some point in their careers.
While Gall Hill were fortunate to score that opening goal against a quality side like Wales, they needed to toil hard for whatever opportunities were presented. Because Wales, coached by Carlos Wales, were intent on not making the same defensive blunder.
In fact, Wales punished Gall Hill by scoring as they added goal number three in the 59th minute thanks to the skillful Romario Harewood.
After that third goal from Wales the fat lady started to sign because there was no coming back for Gall Hill. In fact, it only got from bad to worse for them and the only thing left for their coach Barry Taylor to do was have a seat because he definitely did not have the answers on how to stop Wales from scoring.
In the other quarterfinal match played yesterday, Wotton defeated Deacons 2-1 in a thriller. Khalil Gill scored the opening goal of the match for Wotton in the 45th minute and in response Shaquan Haynes nailed a 54th penalty and equalized for Deacons.
As the game approached full time and seemingly heading to overtime, Wotton striker Kemar John secured the winner in the 85th minute and ensured his team reached the semis. The final four of the Republic Cup semifinals are Wales against Wotton and Paradise to face Ellerton.
In the BFA’s Women Super League competition, Fitts Village Football Club (FVFC) Femeni will play University of the West Indies (UWI) Blackbirds in the final.
On Saturday, UWI defeated RF Prime Academy 4-1 to advance and yesterday’s other semifinal showdown went into a penalty shootout between FVFC and Kickstart Genesis. In the end it was FVFC that registered a 4-3 win. This all unfolded after goalless play in the allotted 70 minutes of full time and a total of 20 minutes (ten minutes each half) extra time.
During the penalty shootout, FVFC were outstanding including senior national goalkeeper Rhea Holder with a fantastic save on Asha Stephenson. Keinelle Johnson broke the 3-3 deadlock and sent her team into the final. The other penalty takers for FVFC were Kimberley Ellis, Giselle Fields and Cosette Brathwaite. Scoring penalties for Kickstart Genesis were Tiana Bynoe, Amber De Silva and Shante Padmore.
(morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb)
