Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
With Meadhaven United virtually assured a spot in next season's National Premier League (NPL) following a 0-0 draw with Rivoli United in the play-offs at the Constant Spring Complex yesterday, the battle for the final spot is set to go right to the wire.
Back from the dead easterners York United roared their way back into contention following a 3-1 win over Wadadah, in an exciting contest at the York Sports Complex. In the process they moved to seven points, one behind Rivoli. Both have one game remaining.
Although being unbeaten on 10 points doesn't not mathematically assure Meadhaven promotion, they would have to lose their next two games, one against York this Wednesday and a rescheduled game against Wadadah, then end with an inferior goal difference to York, not to qualify.
Ready to take action
However, despite the odds being heavily stacked in their favour, Meadhaven coach Alrick Clarke is not quite ready to throw caution to the wind.
"We are still in contention for the top spot headed to York on Wednesday. They still have a chance so we will have to put our best foot forward," he said.
A point from any of their two remaining games will see them officially locking up the spot.
Following a goalless first half, which saw the Montego Bay team with more of the ball, Wadadah did not have anything to show for their efforts until the 59th minute.
After a poor defensive clearance was sent right back to his boot, Jeremy Bucknor had the time to pick out a spot before curling the ball wide of York 'keeper Donald Atkinson into the goal.
The 61st minute
With the home team missing several easy opportunities, they caught a break in the 61st minute when a surging Gregory Beckford was brought down in the area and a penalty was awarded. York Centre half Charles Williams then stepped up to rifle the ball past Tristan Bernard, who despite having an excellent game in the nets, could do nothing to stop the well driven effort.
After hitting the post twice, Jermaine Miller then put York ahead in the 82nd minute.
On the stroke of full time Wadadah, who had been reduced to 10 men after Damian Jackson received a red card in the 77th minute, committed another foul in the area which once again led to a penalty and saw Whittingham drive home from the spot.
"I've said it before it's never over until it's over. I always knew that we had what it takes to be promoted and if we don't we'll be very disappointed," said York coach Patrick Barclay.
