FA Cup Final:
Western Union 2
Scholars Int. 0
Western Union left no doubt in the minds of football fans. After winning the CIFA-Foster’s National League title, Western Union followed it up with big 2-0 win over Scholars International in Sunday’s FA Cup final.
Playing before a full house at the Annex field in George Town, Western Union had a mountain to climb to claim their double. Loaded with Jamaican talent, Western Union came out hard and determined, but nothing was assured.
Scholars lost the league final to Western Union in mid-May and clearly was motivated to avoid a repeat of that match. But Western Union’s Jamaican juggernaut wore down Scholars defenders with relentless pressure and their first goal came in the 19th minute. Scholars never floundered, however.
The West Bay club has a long and proud tradition of excellence on the field and they did nothing Sunday to diminish it. Scholars produced many quality shots on goal. A big reason none of them found the net was the play of Western Union keeper Devon Donnegan. Bruised and battered, he kept his composure throughout and stopped many would-be goals.
Western Union put the game on ice late in the second half when the Scholars keeper brilliantly stopped a powerful shot, but was unable to hold the ball.
A Western Union forward seized the opportunity and kicked the loose ball into the net.
Sheldon Hoppins and Jermaine Wilson were the goal scorers for Western Union.
‘We did really well this season, considering Ivan and all that,’ said Western Union head coach Jocelyn Morgan. ‘I’m grateful to be able to work with a team like this. Scholars fought well. They are a veteran team and they are very good.’
‘This was a hard-fought game, as usual,’ added Western Union team manager Athelston ‘Playmaker’ Watts. ‘Every time we play Scholars, it’s always a very hard game. We were under a lot of pressure this season due to the hurricane, but a lot of guys came out and trained hard. They gave it 100 per cent.’
‘Western Union has truly had a tremendous season,’ said CIFA president Jeffrey Webb. ‘Under the sound guidance of football veteran Jocelyn Morgan the team has shown a new level of commitment and realized a dream that for many seasons seemed to slip through their fingers. I congratulate Coach Morgan, his coaching staff and the dedicated players of Western Union FC who, against all odds, put out a stellar effort to walk away 2005 FA Cup Champions.’
Scholars coach Antonio Smith said he believed Western Union was a little more hungry than his team and deserved the win. Still, he found plenty to be proud of in his team’s performance both on Sunday and throughout the season.
‘Scholars have been champions all around, but we can’t be winners every time. We were pleased with the way we played today. Next season we will be back and we will be looking like Scholars again.’
Webb was encouraged to see the large turnout of fans, perhaps 500, for the FA Cup final.
‘Sunday’s turnout was a clear indication that football is still the first love for Cayman’s sports enthusiasts,’ he said. ‘CIFA extends thanks to the Department of Youth and Sports for their assistance in ensuring venue preparation and Mrs. Marie Martin, George Town Primary’s Principal for the use of the school’s electricity and facilities’
Alfredo Whittaker was the match referee. Livingston Bailey and Winston Blackwood were the linesmen. Fourth official was Francisco Coelho.
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