Reno ambush Seba in Montego Bay
published:
Monday | December 3, 2007
Adrian Frater, News Editor
Reno's Ricardo Scott (left) dribbles around Seba United's Anthowe Dawkins during yesterday's NPL game between the two teams at Jarrett Park. Reno won the game 2-1. - Adrian Frater photo
Western Bureau:
Reno FC threw the proverbial monkey wrench into Seba United's bid for a place in the upcoming end-of-round final in the Cash Plus Premier League when they surprised the Montego Bay team 2-1 in their western derby at Jarrett Park, in Montego Bay, yesterday.
In a game, which was lacking in real excitement, the Reno team scored courtesy of a goal in each half by Nicholi Findlayson, who turned in a pretty decent performance. Seba United's lone goal came courtesy of a late penalty from the boot of veteran Norman Foster.
"We saw Seba United's last game and we went home and developed a plan to nullify their strength that worked well, as we were able to keep the ball away from the three players they had in attack," said Reno's coach Aaron Lawrence. "What went well for us today was that the team played to instructions."
Reno took the lead in the 24th minute as Findlayson wrong-footed defender Scion McNeish and then fired in off the body of another defender, making the score 1-0 and silencing the home crowd.
In second-half play, Reno continued to look the more purposeful of the two teams and it paid off for them in the 51st minute. A free-kick taken from 25 yards was relayed to the alert Findlayson and his shot flew past goalkeeper Gavine Barrett, making the score 2-0.
In the latter stages of the game, Seba United's coach, Theodore Whitmore, introduced himself into the game in a bid to give the team more energy. However, the opportunities that came their way were few and far between as the Reno backline defended stoutly.
Seba's lifeline
Seba United got a lifeline in the 86th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Reno's Obrian Woodbine handled the ball inside the goal area. Goalkeeper Taylor had no answer to Foster's well-placed penalty, which made the score 2-1. The score was unchanged at the final whistle.
"We did not play well today because our usual energy was missing," said Whitmore. "We needed these points to advance our mid-season final bid, but it never happened for us today."
