St Mary stun Denbigh

St Mary High School pulled off a major upset in the ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup football competition yesterday, scoring twice in the closing stages to defeat Denbigh High 2-1 in their Group Three encounter at Highgate Community Centre.

Javan Tae Allen scored in the 76th minute, and again from the penalty spot in the fifth minute of added time, to hand St Mary a surprise victory.

Denbigh took the lead in the 46th minute when Terron Sterling caught the St Mary goalkeeper off his line and scored with a right-footed effort from about 40 yards.

However, St Mary responded strongly and drew level through Allen in the 76th minute before completing the comeback with a stoppage-time penalty.

The defeat was Denbigh’s first in the group and left them on seven points, third on goal difference. Kemps Hill moved to the top of the standings with 10 points after defeating Garvey Maceo at the Wembley Centre of Excellence, while Garvey Maceo remained on seven points in second place.

St Mary High moved to four points after playing to a 1-1 draw with Kemps Hill at the same venue three days earlier.

Yesterday’s contest was evenly balanced during the first half, with both teams creating chances but failing to break the deadlock.

After Sterling’s long-range strike put Denbigh ahead, St Mary continued to press and eventually found the equaliser through Allen.

Denbigh had several opportunities to extend their advantage, but poor finishing proved costly as St Mary capitalised on their chances to secure all three points.

Denbigh’s task will become even more difficult in their final group match on Tuesday, as they will be without goalkeeper Kevin Pryce, who was sent off in the 95th minute after receiving a second yellow card for a foul on Tyrique Barnes.

Allen made no mistake from the penalty spot, despite a valiant effort from substitute goalkeeper Kishane McDonald, who got a hand to the ball but was unable to keep it out.