Mead Forest, Reno FC, Steths Elite and Falmouth United win Papaya Challenge Cup openers

Four clubs made winning starts in the inaugural Papaya Challenge Cup on Tuesday, with Mead Forest, Reno FC, Steths Elite and Falmouth United all advancing from the opening round.

Mead Forest defeated Progressive FC 2-1. Febiki Parkinson struck in the 17th minute and Jeffrey Robinson added a 73rd-minute goal for the winners. Devon Miller pulled one back for Progressive in the 74th minute.

Mead Forest coach Sims said he was glad to open with a victory but not satisfied with how his side played. "We didn't perform to the standard that we know we can perform," he said. "We get a lot of chances that we didn't put away. But nevertheless a win is a win — we give thanks for the win and we raise our hats to the players. Hope them look into this and come back to the training ground and put in some work so we can move forward."

Progressive arrived still carrying disappointment from their last match day in tier-two competition. A club representative said most players came with their heads down and that some senior players were unavailable, forcing the inclusion of under-20 players. "However, the momentum for today we never get it going and you see it cost us the game," the speaker said.

Elsewhere on the card, Reno FC beat St. Bess United 3-0. Steths Elite and Falmouth United both went through on penalties. Steths Elite won 5-3 from the spot after a 3-3 draw at full time. Falmouth United beat Holland PYC 3-1 on penalties following a scoreless regulation period.