Denbigh stun Clarendon College to book quarterfinal spot

Denbigh High produced another giant-killing performance in the ISSA daCosta Cup football competition, defeating Clarendon College 1-0 with an impressive second-half display to secure a place in the quarterfinals.

In the must-win encounter at the Wembley Centre of Excellence Sports Complex, Lashawn Barnaby emerged as the hero for Denbigh, scoring the decisive goal after meeting a well-delivered cross from Terron Sterling.

Barnaby made no mistake, firing past the Clarendon College goalkeeper from close range.

Clear-cut chances were few and far between for Clarendon College. Their leading striker, Justin Hayles, made several attempts from distance but was unable to find the target.

After an evenly contested first half, Denbigh stepped up a gear after the break, with Barnaby, Markland Williams and diminutive midfielder Rahjuan Cassanova leading the charge.

They were also well served by a solid defensive effort from Tayo Cross and Roheim Mohan, while goalkeeper Kevin Pryce provided a safe pair of hands between the posts.

Denbigh created the better opportunities and, on at least three occasions, Williams came close to breaking the deadlock before Barnaby eventually found the breakthrough.

Boosted by his goal, Barnaby, who has now scored in each of Denbigh’s last three matches, continued to trouble the Clarendon College defence, forcing several desperate challenges as his team held on for three vital points.

The victory saw Denbigh finish second in Group Three behind Lacovia on goal difference after the latter defeated Dinthill Technical 2-1. Dinthill and Clarendon College were consequently eliminated.

Winning coach Garfield Caney praised his players for their determined performance.

“It was a gallant display from the boys as they fought hard, and I am proud of them. I knew it was going to be a tough game with two Clarendon teams fighting it out, but based on how the boys have played all season, I was very confident. Now we are in the quarterfinals, and this is good for them and the school,” said Caney.

Losing coach Devon Anderson was naturally disappointed with the outcome.

“It was a tough loss, and I am disappointed. The heavy underground did not help us, but congratulations to Denbigh. They were the better team on the day, and they played well,” said Anderson, who added that his focus would now turn to the Champions Cup in two weeks’ time.

Cornwall College topped Group One after defeating Garvey Maceo 4-0 away from home to finish on nine points. Ocho Rios defeated Frome 3-2 to secure second place on four points and join Cornwall in the next round.

Glenmuir defeated Manchester High 2-0 at home to top Group Two with nine points. Either Manchester or Kemps Hill, who beat STETHS 3-0 at STETHS to move to four points, will join them.

McGrath, who benefited from Manning’s School’s forfeiture, topped Group Four with seven points, the same total as Munro, who defeated Central High 3-0 but finished second on goal difference.

Yesterday’s Games

Central 0-4 Munro

Denbigh 1-0 Clarendon

Dinthill 1-2 Lacovia

Glenmuir 2-1 Manchester

STETHS 0-3 Kemps Hill

DaCosta Cup quarterfinal Groups

Zone A

Munro College

Denbigh High

Kemps Hill

Cornwall College

Zone B

Lacovia

Glenmuir

McGrath

Ocho Rios