By Paul A. Reid, Staff ReporterWESTERN BUREAU:
ST. JAMES FA Senior League team Granville advanced to the third round of the Jamaica National Building Society's all-island Federation Cup Knockout competition after dumping Premier League strugglers Village United 1-0 at Sam Sharpe Teachers College yesterday.
Village's goalkeeper Elvis Hart went from hero to zero in the span of 76 minutes, the time between a fifth-minute penalty save and allowing Dexta Smith to score the match winner in the 81st minute. Hart failed to properly gather a ball swung across his area and Smith was in the right place to roll it home off his shin.
For their efforts, Village, who knocked out A League team Rockfort in the first round, will host another Premier League team, Constant Spring, on February 20.
In another upset, Clarks Town eliminated A League contenders Mt. Salem 1-0 at Elliston-Wakeland Youth Centre in Falmouth and will face Harbour View in the next round. Clarks Town had earned a bye in the first round after Duhaney Park forfeited the game.
The game at the Sam Sharpe grounds was not of a particularly high standard as the ball bounced awkwardly on the small bumpy field and got physical in the second half. The game was also held up late after the Village goalkeeper was pelted with stones.
Village had much the better of play, however, and the lion's share of the chances but failed to convert.
Teafore Bennett, Loxley Thomas and newcomer Michael Morrell all had good chances in front of goal but kicked wide.
Granville should have taken the lead after the fifth minute when referee Mark Calvin awarded them a penalty after Landel Fisher was tripped in the box. Hart came up big, however, with a fine save to block Jermaine Anderson's spot kick.
Two minutes later a fine bicycle kick from Bennett sailed just high of the bar and Thomas missed an open goal soon after when he fumbled with just goalkeeper Wayne Haughton to beat.
Morrell, on loan from English Conference League team Gateshead, should have done better in the 27th minute when, face to face with Haughton, he side-footed the ball high giving the 'keeper little trouble in pushing the ball away for a corner.
Deep into the second half, Granville capitalised on the missed opportunities by the Premier League team.
