<Bt-4z44>Cougars ruin PHC's big day
The Big Cats turned up to ruin what had intended to be a victorious start to Zebras’ new $28,000 sponsorship deal with local merchants Arnold’s Tile.
With representatives from Arnold’s and Pembroke Hamilton Club present at the grounds to witness the momentous occasion, it was Cougars who set the home team in grout en route to chalking up their second league win of the season — and second over Zebras this month.
And even without the mercurial Raymond Beach, national team defender Darius Cox and midfielder Ajani Gibbons among the ranks, Cougars were still a cut above their hosts in every department.
National team duo Domico Coddington and Kwame Steede again led from the front, wreaking all sorts of havoc on a lethargic Zebras’ defence that chased ghosts during a first-half Cougars dominated throughout.
It was the wizardry of Coddington that put Cougars ahead after ten minutes when the midfield maestro was sent clear through the middle by a defence-splitting pass. And even under hot pursuit Coddington executed with class as his calmly lobbed the onrushing Raymon Glasford with the outside of the boot to give the Big Cats the lead for good.
Yet before Zebras could regroup, Coddington struck again, this time weaving his way through the PHC defence and then burying a right-footed shot from the tightest of angles in at the far post.
The match itself as a contest all but ended midway through the half as Steede converted the easiest of chances from a few yards out after Glasford spilled Randy Robinson’s corner-kick at the midfielder’s feet.
PHC virtually played in their own half during the opening 45 minutes and only had two real good looks at Cougars’ goal on the quick break.
Skipper Blenn Bean’s intended headed cross rebounded off the upright and then teenaged winger Aquino Grant’s low drive from an acute angle found the side-netting.
Cougars created further chances to extend their lead after the break, with Coddington going all out in search of a hat trick and Steede dangerously lurking about like a Barracuda patrolling the shoals for prey.
But Zebras, now bolstered by substitutes Jason Smith and Kyle Lightbourne, threatened to turn the match on its head shortly after striker Raynel (Manga) Lightbourne went close on two occasions to opening his team’s scoring account.
On the pitch for merely five-minutes, former English pro Lightbourne was hacked down in the box during one of Zebras’ more promising attacking raids of the half, leaving eagle-eyed referee Anthony Mouchette no other option but to award a penalty.
Bean, who enjoyed one of his better performances of the season in the middle of the park, made no mistake with his spotkick that sent Cougars’ ‘keeper Clyde Darrell the wrong way, and provided Zebras with a little flicker of light at the end of the tunnel.
Cougars, though, immediately responded with Steede having a curling free-kick pushed around the post by a diving Glasford.
Zebras, however, continued to press forward in numbers and nearly reduced the deficit to one when overlapping full-back Michael Williams had a rebound attempt booted off the line by the alert Omar Butterfield.
Lightbourne then found Damon Francis with a precision pass just outside the 18 yard -box. However, the youngster dragged his effort just wide of the post — though ‘keeper Darrell appeared to have covered the angle.
With time fast running out for Zebras, Cougars caught their hosts short at the back during a quick counterattack. But just as the menacing Coddington shaped up to shoot above the penalty spot, he was sent crashing to the canvas.
Unselfishly, it was decided midfielder Mark Smith would serve the last rites from the penalty spot.
And the dreadlocked player grabbed the chance with both hands and gave Glasford absolutely no chance with a firmly driven shot that finally put Zebras out of their misery.
Cougars will now attempt to keep the momentum going in their favour when they host Dandy Town at the Den tomorrow night in a league make-up match.
Devonshire Cougars<$>: C.Darrell, K.Bean, O.Butterfield, J.DeShields, J.Butterfield, C.Caisey, M.Smith, R.Robinson (K.Tucker, 89 mins), K.Steede (capt), R.Baker, K.Goddard, 60 mins), D.Coddington (S.Minors, 89 mins).
Yellow cards<$>: D.Wilson (PHC); O.Butterfield, K.Steede (Cougars)
Men of the match<$>: B.Bean (PHC); D.Coddington (Cougars).
Referee: Anthony Mouchette
