Happy birthday, coach
Dinthill give Gilbert gift of daCosta semifinal spot on birthday
WESTERN BUREAU:
DINTHILL TECHNICAL defeated Frome Technical 2-1 in their last group match in the quarter-finals of the ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup at the Frome Sports Complex yesterday. The win put Dinthill into the semi-finals of the competition.
Dinthill finished atop Group Three with the maximum nine points, five clear of Frome. Port Antonio High also finished on four points after their 4-2 victory over Petersfield High at Carder Park.
Dinthill were gifted the lead just three minutes into the game from an own goal by Frome captain Clinton Suban. Giovanni Mitto equalised for the hosts 11 minutes into the second half, converting from the penalty spot. The visitors, however, found the winner in the 73rd minute from a Karim Bryan goal against the run of play.
“It’s very special as this win today is on my birthday,” Dinthill head coach Xavier Gilbert said. “They promised that ‘Coach, don’t worry, we are going to win this one for you to give you a birthday present’, and I’m happy that they did.”
Gilbert, who is happy to be in the semi-finals, said that despite their early-season woes, he never doubted the quality of the team. He said that he was thankful for the lifeline that gave them the chance to show it. Dinthill were on the brink of elimination from the firstround group stage but found hope after Charlemont High School, also in their group, were docked points for using an ineligible player.
“I’m happy that we won and now move on to the semi-finals. I didn’t have any doubt that we are a quality team. Things just weren’t going our way at the time. I’m happy with the way they acquitted themselves in the latter stages after getting that lifeline and now getting to the last four,”
Gilbert, who credited Frome for a stern fight all the way to the end, said.
“The conditions were tough as Frome did well. They made some tactical adjustments. We also made counter-adjustments, and again the made adjustments. So credit must be given to the Frome coaching staff.”