Linstead team creates history, scores 3-1 win in major league

A football squad has created history by becoming the first from Linstead to play in the St Catherine Major League – the highest level of competitive football in the parish.

Marcus Garvey United marked the milestone with a 3-1 victory on Sunday, November 18, in what was its maiden clash of the league at Ewarton sports complex.

Norman Hudson, coach of the team, is still basking in the victory secured over McKay New Raiders, which was a semi-finalist last year.

“I am very proud of my players for the three points in our first game of the Major League season,” he told The Beacon. “My team executed our plan very well throughout the 90 minutes [of play].”

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Hudson noted that the game plan was to score at least two goals in the first half.

Kevoy Russell delivered in the 7th minute, and Dwayne McCleary followed suit in the 12th. Matthew Taylor netted the third goal in the 75th minute to extend Marcus Garvey United’s lead.

New Raiders attempted to turn the tide, but could only eke out a single goal, which came in the 87th minute, courtesy Tafari Richard.

Matthew Taylor, shown here in the foreground, scored the third goal for Marcus Garvey United on Sunday. Photos provided

Marcus Garvey United’s next game will be against Eltham Football Club at 3pm on Saturday (November 24) at the sports complex in Ewarton. Eltham was victorious when the two met in Division 1 final of the 2017-2018 season.

Asked if he thinks Marcus Garvey United stands a good chance of winning the Major League, Hudson declared: “We are taking it one game at a time.”

He further stated that he, as coach, has a track record of excellence. Here are some of his accomplishments:

– Winner of North St Catherine Knockout in the 2012-2013 season

– Winner of North St Catherine Division 2 in the 2015 season

– Promotion to St Catherine Division 1

– Winner of North St Catherine Under 17 in the 2016 season

– Winner of St Catherine Under 15 competition in the 2017 season

– Second place finisher in St Catherine Division 1 competition for the 2016-2017 season

– Promotion to St Catherine Major League

Twelve teams are vying for top honours in the St Catherine Major League this season. They are Newland Football Club, Albion Football Club, Bodles Football Club, Cedar Grove, Christian Pen, McKay New Raiders, Dela Vega City Football Club, Eltham Park, Federal United, Marcus Garvey, Portsmouth Football Club, and Royal Lakes Football Club.

By Horace Mills, Journalist

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