X-Roads Warriors 1 Devonshire Cougars 7

Devonshire Cougars were at their devastating best in lopsided 7-1 victory X-Roads Warriors outfit at St David’s yesterday.

A brace from Nyeem Simmons and Demitri Daniels supported by goals from Elijah Darrell, Jayori Fox and Domico Coddington secured the points.

Despite the margin of victory, Cougars coach Kwame Steede was not totally content with his team’s performance.

“I felt that we made it hard for ourselves. It was scrappy at times and the scoreline does not reflect how badly we played,” said Steede.

“We were not consistent enough as we went up 3-0 early and should have settled on the game but we didn’t.

“Overall, I would give my team a six out of seven on this performance. Now, we will concentrate on preparing for the Dudley Eve Trophy finals.”

The hosts nearly scored from the opening whistle when Tyman Daniels sent in a telling cross but striker Donovan Thompson could only head wide after meeting the ball on the run.

This served as a wake-up call to Cougars as Steede’s men then jumped out to a two-goal lead within five minutes with strikes from Nyeem Simmons after being first to a rebound off the upright and then a tap-in at the back post by Elisha Darrell following a good move down the left flank from Jayori Fox.

Simeon Burrows created the third when he snaked his way down the left flank leaving two defenders in his wake before pulling back for Fox at the back post who easily side-footed past a stranded Warriors’ goalkeeper, Q’Shai Darrell.

Thompson was unfortunate not to score when he beat Cougars goalkeeper Alexander Parker-Ingram to a through ball only for Jecoa Thomas to clear off the goal-line.

Parker Ingram got the better of Thompson again as he advanced to block his shot with the rebound falling to Rico Beek but his effort was cleared for a corner as the Warriors searched for a route back into the encounter.

X-Roads finally got on the scoreboard on the half-hour mark when Thompson met a perfect cross from Jamie Lottimore to side-foot home without breaking stride.

The home side played with more intensity as the second half started but could not find any answers to the Cougars’ attacking formation with the five midfielders rotating roles often when the ball was played into their attacking third.

The Warriors had an opportunity to reduce the deficit by one when Thompson outjumped goalkeeper Parker-Ingham to a high cross but headed wide in front of goal.

That miss would be the last chance for the hosts as Cougars scored four unanswered goals to close out the game.

Simmons scored his second from a Coddington cross which was partially cleared, before the provider scored when he broke free of the defence to beat Darrell with a low drive.

Demitri Daniels scored the final two goals in similar fashion as he was played through to beat the Warriors’ custodian with low shots that eluded his outstretched arms despite the diving efforts.

SCORERS

X-Roads Warriors: Thompson 30

Devonshire Cougars: N Simmons 5, 65, Darrell 6, Fox 11, Coddington 73, Daniels 74, 83

TEAMS

X-Roads Warriors (4-1-4-1): Q Darrell 6 – O Williams 6 (sub: R Simmons 84min), J Smith 5 (sub: A Matthews 84), D Teleman 6, A Cajee 6 – T Daniels 6 – J Lottimore 6, K Richardson 6, T Lowe 5 (sub: D Woolridge 59, 5), R Beek 5 (sub: C Whited 68, 6) – D Thompson 7.

Devonshire Cougars (3-5-2): A Parker-Ingram 7 – J Thomas 6, M Joell 6 (sub: L Millett 63, 6), D Hendrickson 6 – J Fox 7, J Brimmer 6 (sub: Q Maynard 46, 5), Z White 6 (sub: Z Simmons 63, 6), D Daniels 7, S Burrows 7 – E Darrell 6 (sub: D Coddington 46, 6) N Simmons 7 (sub: L Simmons 70, 6). Substitutes not used: J Wade, T Tucker.

Referee: A Francis.