Defending Lendore Village Football League champions FC Hard Knocks moved one step closer to retaining their title when they edged past a spirited Young Money FC by a 1-0 margin at the Chrissie Terrace Recreation Ground in Enterprise on Tuesday.
Without the services of prolific striker Kerron Smith and sturdy central defender Duran Felicien, Hard Knocks took a bit longer to settle and almost found themselves a goal down in the 10th minute of play. Young Money striker Curtly Dodds beat goalkeeper Kerwin Beckles to an aerial ball from deep in midfield to get in a firm header but his effort was just off target as it sailed mere inches over the crossbar.
Dodds had another opportunity two minutes later when he took down a long clearance for his custodian Glenroy Samuels with his back to goal.
He pivoted on the spot and hit a snap shot with his right foot but Beckles was alert to the danger and held on to the attempt.
Having survived those two early scares, Hard Knocks gradually began to gain more possession of the ball and it was on one such possession that they secured the match winner.
In the 37th mniute midfielder Arron Quashie picked up the ball in the centre of the field and weaved his way down the left flank, evading the challenges of two defenders to whip a cross into Kurt Wilshere, who was lurking in front of goal.
The striker would had all the time he needed to pick his spot and place the ball to the left of Samuels.
In the second session, Wilshere should have doubled his tally and his team’s advanatge in the 56th minute when he dribbled past two defenders to get in a shot on goal, but with only Samuels to beat, he dragged his efort just wide of the upright, while on the other end of the field, Frank Louis had an attempt for Young Money snapped up by Beckles.
Hard Knocks created a few more chances as captain Isaiah Smith’s 63rd minute header crashed off the crossbar; Kevon Woodley’s effort four minutes later went overbars; and Jordan Cox dragged his shot wide after he got in a good look at goal five minutes from time.
In the end, the champs had to settle for the one-goal margin of victory which was enough to maintain their unblemished record after eight matches.
Result:
FC Hard Knocks 1 (K. Wilshere, 39th min) vs Young Money FC 0