Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

CALABAR AND Jamaica College (JC) booked their spots in the ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel Walker Cup final following 1-0 wins over Bridgeport and Excelsior at the National Stadium yesterday.

A goal in the 34th minute from Anthony Grants was good enough for JC, while Odaine Sinclair's 103rd-minute strike ensured a return to the final for Calabar, who lost to St. Catherine team Eltham last season.

In a steady downpour, the Red Hills Road team started the game at a brisk pace but Bridgeport slowly crept back into the encounter, leaving things even heading into half-time.

Injury time

Bridgeport goalkeeper Geovannie Smith, who looked solid on the slick pitch, did well to hold a well-struck, long-range effort by Kevon Bonnick in the second half. However, the custodian would not be as fortunate in injury time as Sinclair's curling shot, also from long range, dipped into the turf, ricocheted off the 'keeper and spun back into the goal. Bridgeport had their fair share of opportunities but missed chances by Darren Mattocks, Andre Clennon and also the loss of key midfielder Andre Steele saw them come up just short.

"I think we came out very flat today. I expected the guys to give me a bit more up front," said Bridgeport coach Anthony Patrick.

Disappointment

"We were looking forward to this competition so this is a disappointment for us and we will have to regroup for the Manning Cup," Patrick said.

The win was an emotional one for both Calabar, who heard their spectators in fine voice, and their coach Lyjasue Simms, following the passing of their mentor, David Hunt, last week.

"This win just showed the depth of the team that the coach built. This is all for him, all his hard work and dedication throughout the years," Simms said. Despite beginning the game in positive fashion, Excelsior fell behind in their encounter when Grant broke away down the right flank and fired past Excelsior custodian Akeem Douglas, who never looked comfortable in the conditions. Despite that fact Excelsior had several opportunities to pull level, they failed to find the net.