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Ellerton, Weymouth Wales to clash in Republic Cup showdown

by Barbados Today
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By Morissa Lindsay 

Ellerton Football Club banked on their captain Shakille Belle and he delivered a penalty that earned them a 1-0 victory and a place in the Barbados Football Association (BFA) Republic Cup final where they will take on Weymouth Wales. 

Played last night at the BFA Headquarters in Wildey, Belle, a senior national forward, took his team one step closer to cashing in on BDS$30, 000 cash prize up for grabs in next week’s Sunday grand final after hitting the winner in overtime (90+) last night against Dover Market/Phillips Bakery Paradise Club. 

In the presence of a sold-out crowd, Wales won their semifinal match 3-1 over Wotton as the teams paid respects to former national youth player and University of the West Indies attacker Kobe Shepherd who lost his life tragically. 

The nightcap semi-final fixture between Paradise against Ellerton delivered on the type of hype as anticipated, the only thing missing was the goals that both teams failed to score for the majority of the night. 

However, the moment of reckoning came when Paradise defender Tariq Bailey-Edwards committed a foul inside the danger zone and centre referee Jamar Springer wasted no time pointing to the spot. 

Ellerton’s leading man Belle stepped up to take the penalty kick and made no mistake when he nailed it to the right of Paradise goalkeeper Jason Boxill. 

Interestingly, Paradise a couple of minutes earlier had won themselves a penalty opportunity and their captain Armando ‘Suga’ Lashley was denied by Ellerton’s number one goalkeeper Jamar Brewster who made a brilliant save. 

The St. George based Ellerton coached by Corey Barrow threatened a lot throughout the match and also controlled a fair share of the possession. 

Belle mesmerized Paradise’s defence on the left flank while Romario Drakes did similarly on the right. Ellerton ensured that their presence was felt. 

Paradise did cause some trouble occasionally, especially Lashley and Ackeel Applewhaite who was named Man of the Match for the quarterfinals when he scored the winner and led his team to a 4-3 victory against UWI. 

Despite Paradise’s effort, with the likes of Brewster donning the gloves for Ellerton, there wasn’t much getting past him. Brewster remained alert, showed quick hands and was equal to the task of whatever was sent his way

In the second half as both teams sought to score, Paradise needed to keep possession away from Belle, Drakes, Roshon Gittens and Shaquan Clarke. Those four at the front are the playmakers for Ellerton.

Weymouth Wales goalscorers Kemar Headley (left, in white) and Nadre Butcher both scored in the first half.

As time went by and pressure mounted something had to give as both sides were desperate for a goal. The frustration began to show as well because the players from Ellerton and Paradise had to be separated and forced referee Springer to intervene. Surprisingly, those who were involved in a brief physical altercation escaped being sent off.

When the final whistle sounded it was the dark horses Ellerton who were jubilant and rightfully so.

It was expected that Wales would advance to the finals given the depth and quality of the team coached by Carlos Jackman.

They took a while to get going but eventually they found their groove as Kemar Headley in the 30th minute, Nadre Butcher 39th and Tyrel Rayside-Demendonca 51st, all accounted for a goal each.

Scoring the lone goal for Wotton was Keion Harding in the 85th minute but by that stage, it was all a bit too late.

For most of the opening half, Wales toiled on the left flank and much of their persistent effort paid off when they won themselves a left-side corner kick opportunity. Striker Kemar Headley was entrusted with the kick from the left and it was a shot out of the top drawer at this level.

Headley who has represented Barbados at the national level, curled a left foot beauty a la David Beckham past Wotton’s number one custodian Liam Brathwaite. The national goalkeeper went airborne in an attempt to make the save and had he pulled it off, that would have been even more spectacular.

Wales were only feeding off of quality in their semifinal match against Wotton because Nadre Butcher followed up with an incredible strike that flashed into the back of the nets. The impact of that goal by Butcher, also a senior national player, was heard around the ground.

Suddenly, Wales were up 2-0 and they started to break down Wotton’s defence with ease as they struck a balance between probing the left and right flank. After those two first-half goals and given the strength of Wales’ team, it was evident that the men from Carrington Village were on their way to the final.

The final is scheduled for next week Sunday at the BFA Astro Turf in Wildey. 

morissalindsay@barbadostoday.bb

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