Royalians edge St Benedict’s 1-0

QRC booked a spot in the semifinals of the RBTT National Intercol tournament after a 1-0 win over St Benedict’s at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo yesterday.

But the game provided little entertainment for the pro-Royalian crowd of 2,000 who were privy to the use of the Daktronics electronic scoreboard for the first time since the 2001 FIFA Under-17 World Championships. Chike Taylor-Phillip’s follow-up shot in the fourth minute, after a headed cross by midfield teammate Radanfah Abu Bakr, gave QRC the win and a chance to face defending champs St Anthony’s in Thursday’s semi-finals at the same venue. The Royalians were steady and consistent from start to finish, but clearly missed the presence of playmaker Jason Devenish through suspension.

Striker Kyle McIvor failed to extend their lead in the 39th minute, sent goalbound by midfielder Mikhail Awai, his chip over goalkeeper Jeremy Tenia hit the crossbar and rebounded into play. McIvor, again sent clear by Abu Bakr in the 70th, saw his right-footed drive saved by Tenia while co-striker Aldo Hope, on a counter-attack, rounded Tenia but had his 88th minute attempt blocked by defender Anthon Joseph. St Benedict’s best effort came in the 81st, when captain Adrian Paul’s freekick missed the mark by mere inches but QRC held firm until the final whistle by referee Jagdesh Bhimull.