TWO clustered area goals which came in the second half off the boots of Christianburg Wismar Secondary School players Shane Luckie (62nd) and Kurd Johnson (81st) were enough to see Blueberry Hill past Silvercity/Scheme by a 2-0 score line on Wednesday night, as the Brooklyn X2 Promotions Linden Inter-Ward football championship concluded at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground. Playing in the final in front of an appreciative crowd, Blueberry Hill were off to a fine start as one of their forwards made his way through the centre splitting two opposing players but shot the ball wide of the goal as early as the 4th minute.
Ten minutes later another Blueberry Hill chance went a-begging as the intended header missed its mark. Silvercity/Scheme then failed with a shot to goal in the 28th minute which was held by Blueberry Hill goalkeeper Edward Robertson, who was later named the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
One minute later, as the Silvercity/Scheme goalkeeper Deon Tyrell was asked to clear a drive the resultant play saw a shot which was flat go past the left upright.
Silvercity/Scheme built on their pressure in the first half and pressed forward in the opening minutes of the second stanza of play but the defence of Blueberry Hill stood the test.
However, the Blueberry Hill players regrouped and launched a counterattack which forced a free kick as a player was fouled outside the 18-yard box on the right side.
The free kick taken brushed past one defender for Silvercity/Scheme and the free ball was latched on to by Luckie who made no mistake in finding the back of the net in the 62nd minute, for a 1-0 lead by the boys in blue and white.
Blueberry Hill was able to double their lead when Johnson pounced on the ball in the 81st minute, during a goalmouth scramble.
Popular Linden businessman Beresford Harry, who was on hand, promised to give the player from the Blueberry Hill side who scored the first goal $25 000 which was won by Luckie and the second goal scored worth $50 000 to Johnson.
The eventual winners also won $400 000 compliments of Ansa McAl Trading and the New Era Trophy.
The third place playoff game was won on penalty kicks 4-2 by Christianburg, who defeated Amelia’s Ward in the first game of the night’s double-header after a goalless regulation and extra periods of play.
Coordinator Marlon Washington promised more football promotions in the near future as he thanked the many sponsors who came on board for this tournament.