Clarke

Meadhaven United's coach, Alrick Clarke, insists they will be optimistic headed into next Thursday's KSAFA Western Union Jackie Bell showdown against Tivoli Gardens, having knocked off defending champions Harbour View 3-1 on penalties in Sunday night's semis at the Anthony Spaulding Complex.

"As a club, we normally do very well when it comes to our performance at these stages of the competition and it is very exciting to be in the final," he said.

"Tivoli are a tough team to face, but we are looking forward to the challenge and hopefully, we will be able to come away with a positive result once we apply ourselves," he added.

Meadhaven rallied from a goal down to end Harbour View's reign as champions, denying the Stars of the East a shot at a third consecutive hold on the Jackie Bell title.

In an evenly contested game, defender Clifton Waugh put Harbour View in front from the penalty spot after striker Jomo Gordon was brought down in the area in the 27th minute.

The alert defender only did so on a follow-up attempt, as Meadhaven goalkeeper Kevin Graham had saved his initial spot kick.

In the second half, of which they had the better of the play, Meadhaven found themselves on level terms after the wily Keammar Daley chased a Weston Forrest flick-on into the area, before smashing a shot past Harbour View custodian, Dwayne Miller, in the 59th minute.

With the score remaining that way at the end of regulation and extra-time, Daley, however, did the unthinkable when he placed Meadhaven's first penalty just wide of the target.

Hitting the mark

With Lovel Palmer then hitting the mark, the Stars of the East seemed well on their way, but that was before 'keeper Graham stopped shots from Marcelino Blackburn, Kavin Bryan and Rafiek Thomas. For Meadhaven, Lennox Creary, Forrest and captain Ravon Williams all scored to secure the team's place in the final.

"I would be lying if I said I was not disappointed. I think we just came out a little too flat today," said Harbour View's assistant coach, Donovan Hayles.

"Nonetheless, we had our chances to score and we did not take them and we were just not very good in the penalty shoot-out," he added.

Winning the title would be a major success for Meahaven, who have struggled in the top flight since securing promotion earlier this season.

In the night's earlier semi-final, Tivoli cruised their way to a 3-0 win over Duhaney Park.

A goal from Orane Simpson put Tivoli in the lead on the stroke of half-time, before Navion Boyd effectively put the game, which the West Kingston team dominated, out of reach in the 62nd minute.

Jermaine Allen then slammed the door firmly shut with his 79th-minute effort.

The final will be contested at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, at 6 p.m.