Molynes United beat Montego Bay United 5-2 to reach…

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What is the Popeye's Challenge Cup? The Popeye's Challenge Cup is Jamaica's newest and boldest football competition featuring David versus Goliath matchups as the best of the best in the country's club football take on those in the second tier of club football. It's a straight knockout competition featuring 25 teams. Seven from the Jamaica Premier League and 18 from the Jamaica Football Championship, the second tier. The seven JPL teams are invited and are ranked based on their finish in the current season as they will not enter the competition until after being eliminated from the JPL playoffs. The JFC team seedings are determined based on their rankings in the league as at May 2. Teams will battle it out over six rounds to determine the winner. So, how does it work? Round one, the playin will feature 14 teams, all from the Jamaica Football Championship. Pot one will have fifth to 10th place teams and pot two will have teams seated 11th to 18th. Round two will have eight JFC teams, the seven round one winners and the fourth ranked JFC team. But one will have the top four ranked JFC teams and pot will have the next four remaining teams. Round three features six JFC teams, four winners from round two, and the second and third place teams and six JPL teams will enter the competition excluding the JPL champion. Part one will have the top three ranked from both JPL and JFC and part two will have the others. The next round is the quarterfinals featuring the six winners from round three, the JPL champion, and the first place from the JFC. It will be a random draw with no pots. Teams then proceed to the semi-finals and the final. Each team will get prize money based on how far they advance in the tournament. A total of $4.75 million in prize money will be paid out with the winning team taking home a million. There's also a $50,000 purse for the top goal scorer and the winning coach. Get ready for the newest and boldest club football competition in Jamaica. This is David versus Goliath. This is the Popeye's Challenge Cup on CVM TV. Tune in to Lead Story weekdays at 6 p.m. hosted by Jodianne Quarry. Popeye's Challenge Cup powered by Popeye's Lasco Conx. Best dressed chicken red stripe mai security. Yo, you're the voice of Alian to represent for CVMC. Me girl.

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Welcome to the Jay Rephon Sping Sports Complex for the 2026 Puff Eyes Challenge Cup. We are about to unfold round number five. The semifinal round of this competition pitched to be David versus Goliath. One David proverbally is still left in the competition. They go up against the mighty Goliath in the form of Mount Pleasant, but that's only the second game of the two Goliaths left. Monte United and Malines, two Premier League teams will do battle. We go to Kimmani a Sullivan. The Popeye's Challenge Cup continues to have Jamaicans dreaming because this David versus Goliath story line is not over. We join the Anthony Sping Sports Complex for the semi-final round. And in our first of our double header, we'll be having Molines United face off against Montego Bay United for a spot in this year's final. Of course, these two teams, they met three times in the Premier League this season. Montego Bay United getting the better of Malian United twice in those three matchups and also one of them ending in a one- all draw. So, there's a lot of story line behind this matchup and you do not want to miss it because we are live here on CVM TV and you're going to have to see it happen because the action will happen right here on this pitch. And if you're worrying about the weather, no rain in sight as far as I can see as well as the lights are on. You don't have to worry about any electricity problems. The power is here and you can feel the energy if you come out here at the Anthony Spalding Sports Complex to experience this knockout matchup in the semi-final between Mullions and Montego Bay United. We're going to hear from both coaching staffs. Montego Bay United. I spoke to coach Felwell. And from Oian United, I spoke to coach Virgo. Here's what they had to say. Coach, you're into the semi-finals after defeating some formidable teams. Um, what are you looking forward to in this semi-final here today? Well, um, hopefully guys can can get a good start. Um, it's a semi-final game. You know, um, you know, winners takes all and move to the final. So hopefully we can execute in this weather today. Yeah. You faced Malian United three times in recent times in the Premier League of course. Um you were unbeaten in those three games, winning two of them. Um does that give you some added confidence coming into this game today? No, it's a it's a different tournament. Um different players. We have a lot of youngsters. Like 90% of the team today is youngsters. So it's it's different from the pro league. Mullions is is a unpredictable team. You never can tell when they're going to turn up, you know. So, I guess it's not going to be easy. So, we have to turn up and and play as well. Coach, I want to ask you about Deo McKenzie. Um, he has been scoring some belters in recent games. How crucial is a player like that to be able to contribute goals from positions like from fullback for example? Um, dear Ru McKenzie is a utility player. He can he can play anywhere on the field. um technical ability is so good. So I know he can popped up at any given time and give us a goal whether from the dead ball or whether from the run of play you know he always adjust well and and and play good for us. So for him scoring with those even the first goal of Jaw was a was a was a good one outside of outside of the foot you know so we know whatever we can do whatever we can do. Well coach it's your debut on TV in the Popeye's Challenge Cup. I'm sure you're excited for the boys ahead of this one today. Yeah, very much excited, you know, because it's opportunity for the boys to make it to a final for the season. Yeah, Malines were fighting relegation for majority of the Premier League season, coach. Um, you're in the knockout cup now in the Popeye's Challenge Cup and you go against Mo. Um, what are you expecting from your boys against them today? Well, I mean, pretty much the same from the previous two games. I mean the Premier League season come to a close and this is opportunity for them to salvage something for the remainder of the season. So I mean playing against a mobile team which we have played against more than once this season. We know what Mob is all about and we know what we have to come out here and do. What would winning the Popeye's Challenge Cup do for a club like Malian coach given the circumstances of you barely escaping relegation in the Premier League? Would this lift some spirits in your opinion? Defin definitely it would have lift many spirit even the younger players to watch and see that even though we went to through a rough phase in the Premier League season we still salvage something at the end of the year. Yeah a lot coming into this. Thank you so much Kimani. Of course we heard from the coaches Xavier Vergo former lines and Dylan Telwell the assistant coach of Montego United. We join them at the greeting party and the man with the captain's armband for Mub is Devro McKenzie. There aforementioned had some belters in the matches leading up to the semi-final round and he has been duly rewarded with the captain's armband. Dean Smith with me the man from out west and they say he's the best in the west Dwight Jeremiah. I dare say you say west and and many fers may think okay that simply means that I'm rooting for Montego Bay. Well, I'll be neutral in terms of my analysis, but for sure supporting my boys from the west. Yes, this is a big encounter, massive one. Um, and once we get into the starting lineup, we will see some some huge changes that have come about. But two Premier League teams and if we heard earlier Monte Bay in recent meetings head-to-head they have the advantage but knockout football is always something different and malign they see this as an opportunity to salvage the season for Monte Bay similar as well. So it should be an intense game because for Monte Bay who led the table for a very long time in the Premier League and to finish fourth not to have Caribbean football has been a big disappointment. Nonetheless, they've entrusted Xavier Gilbert as we see the referees just getting the formalities out the way, spin of the toss of the coin for who gets the football, who gets to pick which sides. And with that, um, I'm expecting an intense battle because of what the season how the season ended for both these two teams for different reasons. All right, let's have a quick look at the starting lineup for Monte United. Marco Thompson continues in goal. Khaled Fraser, Ricardo Ramsey, Malachi Sterling, Christopher Allen, Dero McKenzie, Kevin Hawthorne, the Shorter Gibbs, Tay Cooper, DeAndre Brown, and Brian Lee Brown. Yeah, not the team that we saw that won uh the game the other night. Um four changes to the starting lineup and I dare say four changes to the squad. Some big names out. Here's Malines United. Darren Denai continues in goal. Gerald Neil Jr., Tariq Wilson, Damen Thomas, Zeeru, Sullean, Michael Adu, Nicholas Nelson, Adane Murray, Livingston, Quester, Rashawn Livingston, and Sergini Frankson, their coach by Germaine Thomas. Yeah, judging by what, you know, I was told in their last game against True Juice, a much improved performance is required. um information said you know against Chu Juice they did come from behind to win 2-1 but that is after Chu Juice went down a player and yeah they were really under the cotch from for for stretches of that encounter against the the team a championship team that recently got promoted to the Premier League gave a good account of themselves and Malign's performance as they say would have to lift for this Monte Bay United encounter as as we said Montego Bay United they've made some changes to their starting lineup. Uh the likes of Fraser coming in, Allen, Christopher Allen coming in. Um Arthur coming in as well and Brian Brown who was not even in the squad the last time out is here now. And some noticeable persons out of the squad that started the last game like Tamar Lewis is out. I mean Dwight Merrick off on national duties. Uhhuh. Orlando Harden also out and um Wedley um also out as well. So big shoes to fill for these youngsters as we heard uh Telwell saying it's a lot of youngsters today and I guess those are the reasons why because of the changes that have been as you said forced upon them in some sense maybe others rotations based on performance or giving others a chance. Ramsey gets things going for Montego United. They are in red with green socks. Malines United in yellow tops with blue stripes and blue shorts.

Monte Bay giving away possession there as Malign try to streak forward. No real settled possession just yet. Both teams just for possession in this encounter. That's Dylan Telwell. Assistant coach of course Xavier Gilbert offered national duties with the reggae girls. Yeah, Telwell and Lawrence. And Lawrence recently entering the food of school boy football in Western Jamaica. Just appointed uh head coach for her win the Costa Cup team. tell well we know well we'll see if he continues at Malden who had made it to the round of 16 I think last time out as well so good showing as we saw Cooper trying to make that pass he was easily well I say easily but yeah man of the match from Monte Bay in their last outing where they got the better off Portmore by a goal to nil but he had some really good performances and on a number of occasion especially one occasion really headed a right literally off the line and made some last ditch blocks and interception is Tajay Cooper the number three for Montego Bay.

Here's Malines United in possession Darren Denai the goalkeeper of St. olution nationality ball sent forward by Gerald Neil of course no stranger to this venue once played for Arnet Gardens. Gerald Neil his father too played for Arnet Gardens in his heyday now a part of the Mount Pleasant setup in a technical role. Here's a shot and that goes high and off target. That came from looks to be the captain for today, Rashawn Livingston. Yeah, they've started well today. As I said, Montego Bay, they started brightly in their last encounter against a young Portmore team. Got the goal pretty early. I think that was probably in the third minute. Uh the Portmore grew in the game and gave them some scare, but they did see it out with some last ditch defending as I mentioned before. Cooper at the heart of it today. Not so bright a start as they did. Malines coming out the blocks the quicker of the two. Here they go again. Malines

Livingston gets it across. Nicholas Nelson continues and here is an opportunity in the box for them.

M hounding and they want it back through Norda Gibbs there.

That's Nord Gibbs. So I guess I guess for M not getting the electric start and give give Malines credit, they're showing the desire to want in it. I guess when you have changes like Tamar Lewis coming out, talented Merrick who is as you say on international duties, Odin Linard, those are experienced players that Montig showing some signs early that might be missing. Yeah. From their starting lineup last time out.

Throwing for Balines United. Adane Murray has been proven to be a handful on this right hand side of the attack.

Need that Neil gets it to Questeron Quester the Colombian international

still alive for Maliance. Odane Murray gets on the end of this one. Can he find a delivery? Gets it back. Swung in the area. Tyreek Wilson. Can he shut? He didn't have the shot in him. hesitated and now Malachi Sterling trying to spread forward the the player. Gibbs now has Sterling for company. Big challenge from Gerald Neil. Yeah, initially Gerald Neil was taken out of it. Had to go forward to try and stop Montego Bay, but you as you said sold himself a bit, but got time to recover because Montego Bay didn't have the vertical pass. as the runners in behind had to go sideways. That gave Neil time to recover. And to recover he did with a a sterling challenge.

Neil leaving a mark again showing that he is off to the races here. Right at home. Richard Ramsey not showing any negative effects from that firm challenge, but they do have the throw in taking short. Here's Brian Lee Brown playing in a more midfield role in this current B setup. Sterling also playing as a midfielder. Not accustomed to seeing him here of course for the Montego United setup. did play quite a few positions as a school boy both at Wulmer's then at Jamaica College. Danger for Malines. Luckily for them, the goalkeeper was alert to all that happened.

Darren Dija saying hi to the Montego United bench there. That's where he sent that delivery.

FZ with that throw in. Ramsey trying to be a menace. Still alive for M. They get it across but Denai was alert to the danger. Ball thrown out quickly. Livingston driving forward. Has Nelson,

kept alive, and McKenzie plays it out quickly to Nord Gibbs. Here's Gibbs.

Gibbs on the ball.

Koopa and McKenzie the central defenders in this new look. Monte United's setup. Of course, they're now stamping their own style of play. Good ball forward to Malachi Sterling. Solid last ditch defending from the number 13 player for Milines. Michael Adupe, the Nigerian.

Hawthorne goes from distance but straight to a player in yellow and blue still alive for Montego Bay United. They have it on the right side of the attack. Here's Deo McKenzie has been having a wonderful Popeye's challenge cup. Wouldn't he want it to continue today again? It's been a joy watching him execute on most occasions. Aaron passed that from Brian Brown giving Malines an opportunity but they too followed suit and miscued that pass straight to the keeper Marco Thompson.

Light drizzles here at the Anthony Bowling Sports Complex.

Perhaps one of the better kept surfaces in local football. The not perhaps, I would say one of the better kept one. And I I'm had I'm happy you you mentioned that because it's it's such a good surface on which to play. Not saying it's perfect, but they did a lot of work on it in the offseason when, you know, co came around and they took the opportunity to to really rehabilitate this this surface and they did a good job of it. And and most times if you want to know if it's a good surface, just look at the ball rolling across. Not not a lot of bubbling of that ball and you know it's not a bad surface. I mean and and well grass so for the unevenness underneath sometimes with the grass it cushions that so you don't get that effect a lot. So I think it stands up very well to traffic and terrain. Yeah. Yeah. And that's that's what we're the condition we're under now and we have uh a double header here. So the traffic will be heavy for sure, but not expecting it to affect the quality of the play and the outcome of the two matches on show here. Here's Malines in possession.

It's Cooper stepping up into the midfield area to make a challenge. Another player that is is shy of doing that. When I coached him at William Nib, he was the type of defender that I would have allowed to go forward and from set plays. At one stage, he was a leading defender in the Costa Cup in terms of goals scored.

Here's Sterling. Dupe has been having a handful over that left hand side of the defense. Of course, DeAndre Brown not giving him an inch. Yeah, DJ Brown like the last game against Bmer appear to be very busy when he gets the ball gets close to him in his vicinity or at his feet today. I think he I think he'll want a bit more quality on his play as compared to his last outing from Montego Bay United. Good pass that from the shorter Gibbs. Nothing doing as the malign defense were alert to the task. And here's a shot from Brian Lee Brown. Yeah, it was Gibbs trying to find Allan. A decent run from Allen, Christopher Allen, a player for who presented Cornwall College in the Costa Cup. It's a grade 10 student and yeah, Conwell College did well last season and with their players getting the experience here, then you expect at the highest level, they should be the ones tasked with really guiding that outfit, that school in the upcoming D Costa Cup season. Another player that came into the squad today, Khaled Fraser, who played for Dcasta Carwell College last season as well and will be back this season. That's Montig's number 20. We see an infringement there. But I think, you know, those are the youngsters that Tell we're talking about. Always good to see Wendy. youngsters, teenagers get a taste of, of course, top flight local football. Yes. Yes. It's it's it's it's it's good for them and good for their development as well. You know, I've since been at William myself, I've had a some runins with Cornwall College. I've played them about three or four times, lost to them once. One, two or three. So, but it may not be easy with these players getting these experience. But I'm happy that quite a few of your younger players are having national experience as well. Yes. Yes, I do have uh two boys that have been caught up to the national under 14 camp are currently in camp this season and just about two of them on the fringes who could break into it. So let's see. And they're expected to carry the charge this season for sure having gone to the final of the U14 last season. I was going to mention that for you but you you preempted me but nonetheless action continues. Brian Brown. Here's Hawthorne. The number seven has Gibbs for company. Ops to go. Central. Can't find a pass. Here's Nicholas Nelson. Scored a brace in that quarterfinal matchup. Still alive, but Dane Murray on the ball. Sulleon is there as well. Gets it across and it flashed wide of the upright. Sulleman couldn't get a touch to it either. And Murray did mention that he was a handful on this right hand side. You just have the feeling that Sullean didn't expect it to come across, but it wasn't really for Sulman. I think it was a shot on goal. But yeah, if he could have redirected it and touched on it, could have been a little worry some for Thompson in goal for Montego Bay.

keeper down for the lines. Of course, that's a big change now as we think about the FIFA World Cup. Keepers going down the players based on the new ruling IVAB players stay under park. Of course, prior to that, it was really an opportunity. I see you smiling tonight. an opportunity for coaches to get some further instructions to the players. One can keep them in the park and get the instruction to them for sure. Um, but yeah, sometimes you would venture off a little bit and stuff like that, but I think I think Patino is probably the one who probably tested it and pushed the limit and they said, you know what? um there was a gap in it and um did use his tablet and a ruling has come out on the tablet too that it can be used but as well you say players have to remain on the park. I think with him the players came off to see the screen and that's where the problem came up about um the US men's national team coach formerly of Tottenham Hotspur and PSG PSG as well. Yeah.

Dero McKenzie. Here's Livingston for Malignant. Nicholas Nelson, the willing runner in the area. Gets it to Tyreek Wilson. Can he go for the shot? He goes for the shot and Marco Thompson had to dive to his right low and it was parried away safely for Montego Bay United. Yeah, that was troublesome. Worrying moments from Montego Bay United. McKenzie was trying to deal with Nelson. Knew that he had to be careful inside of that 18 yd box and because he couldn't be as forceful, Nelson was able to play that ball back and allowed the shot to come off and sting in the palm of Marco Thompson in goal for Montego Bay who comes forward now through Cooper.

thorn back to Cooper. Cooper goes long chase

throwing for Mo quickly. Yeah, I think there was a mixup there with Kusta and his goalkeeper because the goalkeeper came there, the defender decided to deal with it.

Hor not liking the challenge there. Sulleman of course trying to walk away from all that has happened. Yeah. Yeah. Definitely excessive force from easily could have been a card. He should slightly kicking out again. So I have to say that's the nature of how the referee has allowed the game to play a few occasions before where players were looking for a call. He didn't give it. So he's he wants to allow the game to play but at the same time just ensuring that the laws of the game are being upheld.

Here's Ramsey. Got a shot. He took a deflection. And it's out for a corner kick. Denai was firm footed. Not in a positive way though.

Monte Bay getting an opportunity now to do some attacking of their own. They've been put on the cut somewhat from this malign who is very quick out the blocks.

They have another shot whipped in the area once more but it goes behind. Yeah, it was very good defending from Costa the at the near post to deal with that corner. He's down a bit with the header that he executed. Lines is number three.

It has been a good watch so far. Some 19 minutes into this contest. Both teams showing their intent. Definitely desirous of winning this one for sure. And um playing football while doing while doing that. Yes, definitely. And the desire is high as I said before for different reasonable lines. not really escaping relegation as you mentioned uh Dean and and Montego Bay disappointing end to the season without being a part of well didn't get to the finals to lift the silver where they were hoping to have and then even second to that trying to get into Caribbean football didn't manage that either tipped on the line by Mount Pleasant for third.

So, this is a big opportunity for them to salvage a season, it has not gone to plan. Well, should Montego United win, of course, I speak preemptively. Should they win this match and Mount Pleasant win their semi-final, it will be certainly the North Coast Derby. A repeat of that third place matchup. Yeah, I'm pretty sure Malines and Jamaica Defense Force is saying we have a lot to say about that happening. I'm sure they do. They have to get passes first before they can lay claim to that derby. And so far, Malian has shown that it's not going to be easy.

Ramsey Malachi Sterling

Hawthorne almost gave it away. Gibbs up here. Gibbs again. I have to say the movement from Christopher Halen has Allen has been really good for Montego United stretching the back line of Malines.

Here's Brian Brown in the middle of the park. Cooper patient in possession is Montego Bay United. That ball forward from Hawthorne errand. Equally errand kick away from the malign defender.

Brown gets it out wide. Pontig United in possession once more. Yeah, just getting a spell of their own now. Just trying to wrestle this game from Malines.

Gerald Neil bailed out by his teammate there. Here they come. Livingston straight to the keeper Marco Thompson who I think I think Livingston saw Mark Thompson off his line there just outside his sixyd box there and just felt maybe he could have caught him out but just didn't have the purchase on that attempted lob of the goalkeeper.

It's alive for Mo. Here they come. Ball out to to Gibbs. GIBBS GOES FOR THE SHOT. HE GOES ACROSS. Goal and it still alive. DeAndre Brown. Kept by one. Lifts it across. The header is away from the goal. And finally the flag goes up. Yeah, that went ball went out of play on that cross. adjustments beyond the goal line. But again, it was Allen who made that run and as I said, just keep stretching that back line for just not allowing them to step up as they would want because he's running from an onside position and really giving every time it goes forward, if it goes out wide, he makes that run into that half space and stretch that line and just separates wing back from fullback. And again on that occasion as Montego Bay went for a searching ball forward though he did not win it he caused problem for the central defender and then it fell to Ramsey whose pass out wide I felt just went a little bit too wide and from that the player had to stretched and just that cross went again too far to the back post. Monte United they have come alive as this half has worn on

hasn't the rain come alive as well. Like I said they're on a good surface. It's not affecting them or affecting the quality. Ball one high from malines. Referee allows plays play to continue. Ball forward. Ball forward didn't intercept. Well, here's Murray gets it across and SULLIVAN

THE MAN FROM Nigeria

has brought Malign away in the lead in this match up and it was a wonderful cross you know Dwight from Adane Murray. Yeah, it was a lovely cross and they threat THEY THEY THREATENED EARLIER THOUGH IT WAS A SHOT FROM MURRAY OUT WIDE. Sullivan was always looking to get onto the end of it. We talked about Allen from Antigga Bay stretching the back line but Sullivan has been doing that. Just look at it here. Lovely cross. I mean you can't get it more perfect than that because at his furthest point it was away from the defender and arriving at the far end onto his feet. A simple finish some would say but still had a lot to do. We see those going over the bar from time to time, but that was a neat finish and it's nothing more than malign deserve. They were quickest out of the block. We saw Montego Bay trying to really get a foothold into the contest. Now they definitely have to dig themselves out of a hole.

What will they deliver? Of course, the fourth goal of the season for Silman. He had three in the Jamaica Premier League. Now one here. Here they come again. Malines straight to Marco Thompson. Remember now in the regular season Malines they would have played Mons Bay three times. Lost to draw John one. Are they to go one better than they have had all season against this out St. James outfit.

Malachi Sterling. not seeing anything forward that he likes. Many touches on it, but still not progressing. Gets it further wide to Gibbs. Receives it back from Gibbs.

That's Fraser. Lifts this one for Ricardo Ramsey. His header only to player. They try to go the other way now. Franc Wilson.

Slick play from Alliance. Here's Nicholas Nelson. Half your plate all the way back to Quester. They now showing they have the ability to hold the ball. But look at the surface. It's really holding up.

Adoope has come forward. Livingston is there on the ball. Swings it across. Can Murray keep it in know it goes out. Yeah. And it's good work from Malines having scored because normally in a game the team conceding will want to an immediate response, want to get on the ball and and really go at their opponent. Um but Malign's doing well to keep possession and not allowing Monte Bay that early rush of wanting to get on the ball, wanting to respond and just seeing if they can just calm that rush of blood and just get control, full control of this contest. Really showing that they're up for it and at the moment the hungry of the two teams. That has to be a card, a serious card as well.

Caution. A yellow card showed and that one goes to 29th minute there. Skipper number number 20. Yeah, Gerald Neil. He gets the yellow card. Might be an opportunity now to drive at goal. It's a long way out. He would have to have that one you feel skidding off the surface in front of the goalkeeper here to cause some problems. Can get it in front of D. Could be worrisome. Could be a spill here where one of five M United players or six M United players could get on the end of it. Sterling. Yeah, poor from Sterling. Didn't get it over.

Here's Gibbs. Brown gets it out wide. Hawthorne.

Here's Nelson.

Livingston his ball forward to Wilson. Good defensive intervention from Hawthorne who tracked back and went ventured to the right side of the fence. That's a lovely ball from Livingston though. Really good ball. I thought there was a shot on initially when that ball went through. Just a delay cause the defender to recover in time. Mines looking to extend their lead. Looking to make it twice as difficult for Monte Bay to win this contest. Here's a corner kick for Malines. Swung to the near post. Still alive. Sent across immediately from the rebound. But Marco Thompson was alert and came off his line. He spreads this now for the shorter Gibs. He keeps it in. Has Christopher Allen Fesa go beyond comes back to Allen. Allen's pass errant and the surely gives frustrated that all the efforts that he had put out yielding no real results for Montego Bay United. Yeah, that pass from Allen was never on. I mean the pace at which G Livingston well Gibbs was coming it was never going to get to him. He just needed a a cushion pass you felt into Gibbs. Not that pass to run onto just late into his path because he was already going at quite a click. But the youngster will learn.

Here's to Jay Cooper.

Not getting anything very far forward. Cooper now. Arthur under some pressure as well. There's

getting it back to Cooper. Montig resets again.

McKenzie want to have a look at the pegs he has. That was could have been costly there.

There is certainly a Nigerian connection in the malign setup. Quite a few players from the motherland have found their way to Malines United. Of course, Zeu Sullean the goal scorer also Michael Adupe and Samson Ok who is on the bench early in the start of the JPL the just concluded JPL season the Mubani who was a former under 17 and under 20 national for Nigeria. Of course, that's a that's a huge compliment. He found home at the lines as well.

So they definitely have a strong connection. Here's B. Can they have a connection here? Darren Dai says no.

I should find comfort here. You always see Africa is on motherland. She says

suspect players coming from there will be welcome. I think that one of the thing that I think on Tinkerbat a weward header from Brown quickly bailed out by his team again given away by Brown. Here's Murray. Can he find another superb delivery was not superb and Montig United come away now with Hawthorne.

Some of the passing has been a bit subpar. Yeah, Monte to sort some things out. One of the things too that they may have to look at their the man on fire for them has won the last game for them and got a stunner in the game before that to win it for them as well. McKenzie slotted in at center back today because the likes of Odinard who has been playing center back for Monte Bay in this Pope's challenge cup. He's not in the squad today. And maybe further on if it stays like this for longer or deeper into this contest and he may seek to release the likes of McKenzie. Here's Khaled Fraser. His ball to DeAndre Brown again just to give you some announce. Not the quality they need to get back in this matchup. Yeah. So yeah, as I said, McKenzie in center backdress

and likes Brian Brown playing deeper in midfield. You can see what the Monte Bay's setup is like. is like having the more senior experienced heads deeper behind the ball to give them a little bit of anchor. Here's the foundation. Sterling Hawthorne gets it. Good ball to Allen. Good touch. He goes beyond and good recovery defending from the number 12 former lines. That's I think Fraser make that Damen Thomas. But it was a good sequence from Montego United. Yeah, good first touch from Halen. The first touch is what had him elude the defender and that's how good sometimes he doesn't need anything fancy to get by your defender or to escape the clutches of the defender. Just that proper first touch. The youngster did well on that occasion again stretching and pinning this back line for my lines. Gibbs with the corner kick to the back post. Darren Denai spilled it on the first attempt and then gobbled it up. Hounded by Sterling, but able to release

Wilson couldn't keep it in J Cooper. Doing his defensive duty.

Quester lovely ball lovely take from Odane Murray gets it across again and neither Sullean nor Nelson couldn't gather but it's still alive before that intervention it was for Balines M now go the all the way. And here is Malachi Sterling. Lovely ball, but the first touch didn't bring it in the path of Ricardo Ramsey. Yeah, Ramsey was all on his own though. Just needed to hold it up. Was Shepherd well Marshall by two defenders and was always going to be difficult for him to get by them. Needed a proper first touch just to hold it up a to allow his unrushing midfielders to bring support. That didn't occur, but Kelly will look to build again. But Malines has been really good for this opening 38 minutes. And a good touch from Allen. Malachi Sterling with the shot. Charge down and they have some defending to do still. Sterling gave it away with a player down after that shot. Rifled in his stomach. You could immediately hear a grunt of agony.

That is a powerful shot as well to deal with. Looks to be Gerald Neil. Yeah, but as I was saying, the first half literally flown by. 39 minutes on the clock. M needing to find an answer, which would be an equalizer before the half. Last time out here they won by a goal to nil. They're now trailing by a goal to nil to a malign team that really look up for this look really up for this contest. They're good value for their money this first half. Let's have a look at the shot. Yeah, it was from Sterling straight to the mid rift. And you know, that's where you want the all those abdominals done for the season to to really stand up and and do its job. If you were cheating them out, then maybe you're going to find yourself on the wrong end of the effects of blocking a shot like that.

Here's Nelson. Sulleman charge down and one. Here's Sterling going forward. Has Gibbs. Gibbs gets it. Gets it across as well. Malign's able to clear. That could have easily been disastrous. Luckily for them, the defender was on quue. How many times have we seen such attempts skew off the other side of their foot and go into the goal? Here's a win high up the field for Malian. Sulleman tried the back heel but McKenzie had none of it. Brown gets it to Ramsey. Ramsey to Gibbs. Gibbs. I thought he should have taken that shot much earlier. He did eventually get the shot off but under much duress. Yeah, he took the shot off when the door was slamming shut.

Here's Livingston for a lines.

Hawthorne under pressure here. One by Murray. I think that was Gibbs away. Yeah, pass from Murray was inaccurate in the end. Here's Gibbs. Must be breathing a sigh of relief. Sterling. Brown. Sterling asking for it. Gets it. Doesn't have many options. Pokes it forward. Christopher Allen was offside though. Yeah, I just felt that Sterling having made that pass. White should have made that overlapping run to at least just get one of the defenders, attract the attention of one of those defenders to see if he can set up a 1 v one with his wide player. Here's Tyreek Wilson going the other way. Slips it forward. Nelson on the end of it. Back to Wilson. Nelson and Murray trying to give chase here. Was expecting Murray to be out wide much higher.

Coming from an offside position.

Milan's looking comfortable at the moment with their one-0 lead. Good value for it. They have been

looking much closer than they were in the league to a fourth place team.

That would be certainly the David Slain Goliath story both from a a league table standpoint and a history standpoint here in local football. Here's a shot going for the cheeky one, but it's just over the crossbar. Nicholas Nelson showing that he's very alert. Marco Thompson could have been beaten out there. I think Tom had that one been on target, Thompson would have been would have it he all over his face there because certainly would have been an embarrassing moment for him. Just the execution a little bit off from Nelson, but love the thought and the intelligence to to recognize and the bravery to go for it. You're leading a goal to nil. You wouldn't think twice about doing it. And the player that Nelson is not surprised he did. I remember during that co period he scored a wonder goal up by the captain center of excellence from long spell. certainly ranked high for the goal of the season back then, but a player that I I really like to watch play because he certainly knows where the goal is and even when he did went to Mount Pleasant. Fel was good for them at the time. He get him close to goal and he's never shy and always aware, always looking to pierce the net. Here's Murray.

Livingston, the willing runner, took it down. Well, Livingston and Deo McKenzie, the interceptor on that occasion, still alive. You know what? I felt that was real. That was on target.

All his ball forward. Cut out by the defender. The lines go the other way now. Dero McKenzie again in the thick of things, but Sulleman now gets that quick ball. Goes for the shot. All things falling well for Malines. Here's Murray on the ball. Murray drives by one. Lifts it in the area. Headed away. Livingston. Nelson still on the ball. LAYS IT OFF. WHAT A STRIKE. That's lovely FROM MALIGN. HAVEN'T THEY COME TO GET ALL THE MARBLES. TYREEK WILSON. IT WAS LATE FOR him and he did their number nine. Tyreek the number nine thing. He placed it to perfection and two nil at the stroke of halftime for alliance. Well, I tell you what, Nelson at the heart of it again involving it, but lovely play from Malines and they wanted to hand it off on a high note and certainly they have had that opportunity and they took it as well because that was a lovely goal. Really lovely goal. Just have a look at it again. I mean, Murray to that back post. I think the keeper should have claimed and that would have killed off that move. But Nelson again, just look at the intelligence to recognize the shot wasn't on and laid it off to the unrushing Wilson who expertly placed that one into the back of the net. Wasn't a powerful shot, more of a pass into the net. Just look at it there. Nelson looking to go, but recognizing just hold off the defender and move him out of the way to create enough space for Wilson to see the goal. And boy, did he finish it expertly well. Nelson certainly on fire in this Popeye's Cup. Twice he scored to give them the win last time out here again with an assist. Fourth official Vantel has indicated two minutes minimum to be played in the first half. Two minutes minimum to be mountain now for them to climb on Tiger Bay. They'd love to get one back before the close of this first half. by two/3 here in the Popeyes Challenge Cup. Do you remember

they have a lot of great deals connecting deals as good ball spread the path of Livingston Fraser did the unthinkable giving him so much space and the shot came off from Livingston. I was going to say certainly Montego Bay couldn't go down to three. Three goes to nil before the close of the half. They almost did. That's a halftime whistle for Makita Nicholson. The lines came to play. They came to sling. They came to slay Goliath and Sullivan got them going. One whose figure would seemingly seem golk. Certainly from a statue perspective the David team is malign haven't won any title haven't even made a playoff at the top flight but here they have M United four times winners of the Jamaica Premier League on the cusp of elimination with 45 minutes left to go United nil malign United 2. No, it come.

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Popeye's Challenge Cup semi-final action here at the Anony's Falling Sports Complex in San Andrew Montego Bay United nil. Mullines United 2 after the first 45 minutes of action. David versus Goliath. Let's have a quick look at the significant moments in the half.

Monte United in red, but it was Adane Murray showing his intention early in the match up from the lines whipping that one across. Sullean couldn't get a touch on it to steer it goldward, but it was only something that we'd see later on. Here he comes again. Murray Sullivan on this occasion was on hand at the back post and Malines able to get the lead.

Lovely delivery that Sullivan the Nigerian doing the business at the back post. Malines they really showed a lot of quality in the first half. Nelson tried that one just over the crossbar. Marco Thompson would have been beaten out. Here's another look at it. Audacious attempt from the number 10. Certainly not shortened confidence is Nicholas Nelson. More action. Mines. It really was from a goalc scoring standpoint. Action standpoint standpoint. Oneway traffic. Livingston there getting the ball to Nelson. He ran out of the way. Tyreek Wilson was in the way and he fired that one beyond Marco Thompson. Here's another look at it. Header away, but only in the path of Livingston Nelson. Look at that movement. He moved away quickly. T Wilson ran onto it and had the flips as well. All right, let's have a look at the numbers. Monte Bay United had four shots, none on target. Malines had three on target from seven attempts, three corners, two to malign had 45% of the possession with four fouls, two to two yellow cards to malign players and M had one offside. Those are the numbers. We take a break. When we return, more action. Second half action. 2026 Popeye's Challenge Cup.

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Tune in to Lead Story weekdays at 6 p.m. hosted by Jodianne Quarry. The soldiers keep marching on the back of eliminating 2025 JPL Champions Cavalere. Jamaica Defense Force FC hosted Arnet Gardens in the jungle to march into the semi-finals of the Popeye's Challenge Cup. Awaiting them are Caribbean Champions Mount Pleasant FC. Can David topple Goliath once again? It's a feature match on CVM TV's live double header for the semi-finals of the Popeye's Challenge Cup Saturday, June 6 with kickoff set for 8:30 p.m. Before that, in the curtain raiser, Montego Bay United, who hosted Premier League champions Portmo United, will go up against Malines United kicking off at 6 p.m. It's a live double header in the Popeye's Challenge Cup. Win or go home, who will prevail live on CVMTV. Let's delve deep into the issues. We'll take you beneath the surface. Greetings and sanitation. My name is Owen Higgins and it's another edition of Fan Central talking to the people at the heart of the top sporting stories. Here from your favorite sportsmen and women and the administrators who work tirelessly to make it all happen. It's live sports talk. I've wrote written an entire article looking at all the major issues. Every Tuesday at 9:00 p.m. it's Fan Central.

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Thank you. Of course, it's come it's pouring here at the JW and Anthony Sports Complex, but nonetheless, some good football on display. Mian United, they are up 2-0 against Montego Bay. So, as it stands now, David is slaying Goliath, but we're going to see what's going to happen in the second half. Speaking of the Anthony Sping Sports Complex, there are quite a few brands here, and of course, one of them are beloved sponsors from Red Stripe. I'm here with Hannah Turner. She's the junior brand manager of Red Stripe. Um Hannah, the rain is pouring down, but Red Stripe is still here. speak to me how important it is that you know fans can come out enjoy a red stripe at a match like this. Right. So I mean the the rain is pouring but is is still an exciting match. The energy is super high and people are still engaged. Right. I mean this property is just a great property. I think that even segueing into World Cup it makes so much sense and Richstripe is just so excited to be a part of something so extraordinary. Yeah. Yeah. I think the most important thing for us Hannah is that we still have electricity here. I know it was a rough day yesterday for you as well. Was it? Um, it was. It was, but it was good nonetheless. I mean, we did take a bad situation and make light of it and we're here now. And that is the that is the best part. We're here having fun and it's a good match and it's a still good energy even with the pouring. We're considering it as blessings, right? Yeah. All right. So, Hannah, it's 2-0 to Malines. Of course, you're from Red Stripes, so you're familiar with sport. Give me a score line prediction now. How will this match end between Malines and Montego Bay? Um, can I say 3-0? 3-0 for Malines. Um, so Malign Yeah. Yeah. All right. You heard it here from junior brand manager at Red Stripe, Hannah Turner. She's enjoying the football despite the rain. And of course, we're enjoying the football as well. We're going to go to the match after this. So, thank you for joining us for this halftime interview. Anna, it was a pleasure, I must say. It was a pleasure indeed. Yes, it was. So, back to the match. We have more football coming up. Stick around.

Thank you so much Kimani. Still rain here but the action will commence in a short while as the teams get ready. Malines and Montego United 2-0il the lead. Malines now hold Dwight Jeremiah. Is there a way for Montego United back in this contest or will Goliath be slain? Well, they often say football is a game of two halves. Montego Bay will hope that that cliche is certainly uh won that is true or hold true for them tonight because they certainly need that in terms of getting back in the contest. Certainly they they've had some some some good lookins but in the final third I think just not really connecting the passes even throughout the park they've been below uh they've been subpar in terms of the quality that we've come to expect from Monte Bay despite the changes to the squad and the changes to the team as we talk about change I think the Monte Bay will be making changes now uh one of the youngsters from Cornwall College in terms of Christopher Allen he's been replaced Christopher Allen He's been replaced by number 14. And coming in is Javon Angling who also came in in the last game. Kevin Hawthorne. He's being Hawthorne also coming out. And Deario Daly coming in in hisstead. So Montego Bay wasting no time in trying to force this game to get back in it. And they're hoping that these two changes will give them a good foothold in this game. Difficult in the weather condition to have strong footooth holes, but also difficult because malign have really bossed that first half. Livingston tried to boss that left flank, but Deo McKenzie was able to shield him from keeping it in play. And the substitutions coming in from Monte Bay. I mean, uh, uh, Allen has a a a fairly decent first half, but nothing penetrative enough. I mean, did make some good runs to try and stretch the back line of Malines, but they want greater incision here. Montego Bay. Marthon on this near side at the in that first half. Give them much going forward. Lovely ball forward. Brian Brown had to chase that one. Darren Denai came off his line out to the box and made the clearance and now my lines have acres of space to navigate. Lovely ball through. Well defended by M. Yeah, Cooper there intercepting and was looking to try and keep possession from M. And with with the change in M bringing on two new players, another thing they've done is to release Baron Brown who was playing much deeper in that first half. Almost like a CDM there. He's now carrying the line from a base. So someone who they think can provide that incision ball in the area. Nelson being roughed up by Taj Cooper. throw in the way of malign.

Aduk get there. Stealing the ball from Ramsey. Ball over the top. Nelson was offside.

Yeah. So M trying to get back into this one on a night when it is Malines who have lit up this rare nephew Antony Spalding Sports Complex but also making it a bright night. We're sure has been the colors on display. Blue and yellow for Malines, red littered with green for Montego Bay United. And this jersey is provided by Soccer Express. Now it's a growing company here in Jamaica. And almost every football league across the country, even if it is a corner league has their here's a shot or is there a shot? Well, there wasn't a shot. No. Yeah, as I was saying, even if it's a corner league has their brand, their products all over it. See the nice jersey here. They want it to be vibrant, lively, and they certainly Soccer Express, the sponsors wanted that. The main sponsors and Soccer Express duly obliged with some really good lovely opportunity. He couldn't find the finish. Sulleman send that in a beautiful area and Marcus Thompson was flatfooted but so was the finisher didn't have the twinkle toes to steer that on I have to say to yeah that was close and and and malign looking to extend themselves. I have to say in Trilani we had sponsors from soccer express as well for a major league last season and most of the teams this season six of the eight teams in the major league they did dawn the soccer express jerseys year before that 10 teams dawn the jerseys of soccer express so yeah

I guess what we're seeing in the second half is m chasing this game made few changes in personnel but also a couple of changes personnel but also in terms of position of players on the park chasing it means that you leave a lot of holes not lot of gaps that malign even if they didn't up the ante on their performance in the first half just what they did in the first half will certainly take advantage of the spaces that will be left by Montego Bay

here's Deari giving chase to this one. Quester able to clear. Daily did start at Waterhouse earlier in the just concluded season has now gone west to mob. Won the maning cup in 2024 with Kingston College. De Maria Daly

just trying to move the chess pieces around to see if they can get a more effective performance that will result in bringing them back into this contest. We realize they've shift McKenzie out of central defense more so on this right side. Here is he going here. He is going forward. Something we never saw for him in that first half because of the position he was playing. They want him closer to goal. Chipped in the air. Brian Brown got it across. Ramsey couldn't shake the man Murray who did well. Good movement this from Malines. They have lots of space. Not sure I like that pass. Sulleon certainly was a better option in the middle of the park, but they'll have to work through that with some blue pass. Gibbs as if he didn't he wasn't there. But yeah, as we said, McKenzie now will go forward a little bit more. Dangerous pass from Livingston wins it in the area. He's pushed down, but the referee said no. Shoulder to shoulder. He said stronger upper body strength was displayed by the defender but was male living risky again. Brown poor pass from Brown. Like I said he's sometime busy but busy doing nothing they say sometimes you know just just not getting the quality out of him. He looks lively but just those passes going astray. So, we've spoken about those changes from Obey in personnel and position of players. McKenzie to Brown. Caught by one can have the he gets the corner though, but I still think more could have come down come out of that. Check out the sponsors tent the best chicken Popeye's last drink. Chance for M to load the box. They need to get one back quickly. Really make it uncomfortable for Malines at the moment. Malines comfortable comfortably leading this one by two goals to nil

and in M hasn't really troubled Dain goal for Malines. Sterling behind this corner kick lifts it in the air. Donn came punched and on the second time of asking was able to hold on to it. Releases quickly.

Sterling

McKenzie much more advanced now. But that errand pass continuing to add a war to M's game state at the current moment

and Malines they'll be happy to wear this one out play through the pockets of space as they become available.

That tackle one out of mere frustration rather than any real purpose.

Free kick for my lines taken quickly.

Advantage played from the referee.

Brown has Daly to his right. Daly sprints and finds this one. That's the turn back and turn into trouble as well. Not doing that. Probably didn't want to play a ball into the box because he only had one player to aim at. Would have to be like finding a needle in a hast to be perfect with that pass. didn't like it. Didn't trust himself to do that. In the end, nothing came off. A move from Montego Bay number

desperately needs a goal but Malines themselves know that this game is not over by the stretch of it. Good run from Malachi Sterling. Still Sterling hacked down by Odupe. What was it? I think it was Qua, you know. And I think they're asking for a card. I think that's what Bran Brown is asking for. There's no card coming here.

He's saying look, it's a promising position. Real good scoring opportunity was tortured by that challenge. We don't believe that. Still don't believe that. That should have been a yellow card. That's the second game. I certainly think it should have been one of the semifinals here. There's really no attempt at getting the ball on that occasion. After the inaugural tournament, the task was just to unsettle. Yeah, they would say yellow card, but let's see. I think maybe would be more concerned now about getting this one in the back of the net. Space to get it up and down may not be there. I think more placement and power. Malachi Sterling standing behind this one. Sterling gets IT AROUND AND IT'S IN THE BACK OF THE NET. HAS CUT THE DEFICIT. The deficit is high and the man who won THAT FREE KICK HAS DELIVERED A TELLING strike and Goliath is still in this one. Yeah, lovely strike there. Really good strike from Sterling. I said it wasn't going to be possible. You feel based on the distance from goal to get it up and down. placement and power. He got both and to perfection placed it into the corner just out of the reach the outside reach of D. Let's look at it here. Yeah, that was always going to be difficult for him. He used the wall as shield and D saw it late would I would imagine coming around that wall and the weight was placed almost shaved the paint off the upright always going to be difficult for the goalkeeper to get down in time. Just kidding in because the surface greasy as well. Added a little bit more pick up a little bit more pace off the surface and just like that Montig crave so much. And that's Sterling's first goal in this challenge cup. But what a time to score it when M really really needs it. Won the free kick. Got himself up. I can't say dust himself off because you don't expect much dust on him with all this rain. It's um first in the Challenge Cup, but sixth of the season. So, he's he's he's used to hitting the back of the net. Just haven't done so yet before now in the Challenge Cup. He's hoping that that goal will spur this M United on to at least first target is to level now having scored that opener for his team.

Malachi Sterling of course in the league played predominantly as a left fullback given more license in the central areas in this particular setup in the challenge cup and certainly has done well so far. Malines though trying to increase their tally. Whistle on the play and M they collectively breathe a sigh of relief. That was lovely work from Cooper too as well. Defensively he was outnumbered. Had to deal with the man with the ball and a runner coming but just delayed. Just delayed which is one of the D's of defending. Didn't dive in. delayed and as such and didn't really back off to play the runner on side and when the pass was make made the runner was offside. some good work and you expect ball given away. Ball comes to Nelson. He's challenged legally by Cooper who just gave it away after that. Murray now charged down and Gibbs now launches this one forward. One by Quester Malines they certainly want to increase their tally. Ball across Sullivan. Good chested control, but the shot he was slipping all the while and he couldn't get any power or placement on it really. Yeah, now go the other way. Here's Sturley

Brown busy but gets it forward. Look at the surgeon run. Gets it across. Brian Brown left it. Dear Daly, he was asking for something. Akita Nicholson who wasn't in the mood to give anything there. I think that's that's not the player Daily that they m wanted to see running onto that one. It was always from that position in the last game against Baltimore that McKenzie ran onto a back pass and that was coming from Tamar Lewis in that game and boy did he write for that one. In the 61st minute number 15 Daily was watching that game. the goal scorer, one of the goal scorers from Alliance United. He's being replaced by number 23 Samson Okin. Yeah, another Nigerian coming into it. One replaces the other. Simon, one of the goal scorers for Milan tonight. He's been replaced by number 23. Yeah, Dy should have should have let fly you felt coming on to that one. Yes, he was closed down quickly, but in the rain deflections and all, it would have been difficult, but maybe wasn't paying attention last time out to the McKenzie strike from pretty much that similar or same blade of grass. Ball sent forward, headed away by Qua.

Certainly for the neutral of the game. Very open, both teams. happy to still play football. Nelson giving chase here. Can he get by? Cooper can't get it around him. Goes out for a corner kick. And Malines, they have an opportunity from that corner to spark something. Yeah, in this M United team here right now, Cooper has to be the senior man at the back. The youngster Fraser from Cornwall College has joined him centrally, but being the man who is older, would have gone out of school boy football, but no stranger to being the senior person at the back. Needs to organize his team here. Wilson with the corner. Lifts it high. Couldn't get a header towards goal and M. They are able to break. Now here they come. Brian Brown, DeAndre Brown kept it alive. Still alive for M. Action on the left now.

At the back POST IS RAMSEY Sterling McKenzie. JUST LIKE THAT. JUST LIKE THAT. GOLIATH OF G back on level terms and it had to be him. Deo McKenzie IS MR. POPEYE'S BUT CERTAINLY he has he's just loving the chicken. But certainly the player that they wanted to release. We spoke about it EARLIER IN THE CONTEST THAT maybe depending on how the the game would pan out that they may have to release him and certainly they have a while ago I was saying Daly wasn't watching him. I hope he is now because the chance looked like it was gone. It wasn't one of those thunderbolts that we've seen from him this season. This time placement, calmness, THE EXPERIENCE TO JUST SLOT IT IN THE GOAL TO ENSURE that Montego Bay United is right back into this contest. And can they go on to win it? I mean Malian must know but their last contest they trailed True Juice by a go to nil deep into that contest. They came from behind having True Juice gone down to at 10 players. So they should have known this one was not in their hands fully and the dangerous lead. The cliche in football is 2-0 is the dangerous lead because you feel like you are comfortable. the opponent tells themselves they only need one and once they get one then you or two is a little bit edgy and yeah when you're edgy you don't do so well so my lines now with a conference in the middle of the park right back in it so give the coaching staff some credit too I mean Gilbert not here now tell well we see leading the charges yes but for sure would have been under the tutelage of of Gilbert and such as a coaching team they've done well Because a lot of times it's not the strategy that you go into game when that wins you the game, but your in-game changes. And at Halime, they made two changes personnel wise, but also they move the chest pieces around on the park, release Brown, um, Brian Brown, a more experienced player in front of goal to stretch that back line, dropping deep to to create a vacuum for others to run into. And one of the players they wanted to run into that vacuum was McKenzie who they released on the wide side. Still a part of the defensive setup but in a wing back area that allows him to go forward. And once they did that and that was the result of it and you can understand coming into a game they they had what four changes to a starting lineup missing the likes of Tamar Lewis and Oda Linard and Merrick. They wanted to play it safe and have the more experienced players at the back. But you know they say hindsight will tell you a lot but as coaches we have to go with foresight most time making a decision but many would say they should have started them that way but you know we can that one went high. Tyreek Wilson again on the thick of things trying to spark Malines back into the lead. A lead that Xavier Vergo and the rest of the Malign's coaching staff must feel has been squandered.

Yeah. from that free kick always a lot of times and and you know they talk about defense attack and transition but another phase of the game that is critical now is that set piece and got back into it from a set piece Sterling being foul pick himself up and expertly brought m back into this contest and here he's on the ball again. He's been busy from the opening whistle. More so different. Busy with quality unlike here's a shot from distance. Dai didn't get a hold of it on the first time. Second time of asking was able to hold it up. So of course any ball I was saying unlike the Brown who piss but not with the Yeah, I I know that's what you meant. I think you wanted to spare him my Yeah. Yeah, I did. the other way any of it lines. Ball chipped forward. Nicholas Nelson, can he spark something? Has an assist already. Can he get on the score sheet? Surrounded by two players. Wins a corner from Of course, we did see a set piece being the avenue that Montego United used to get back in the contest. It's now fully level. Corner taken, lifted in the area. headed to a M player who must be wondering how why why not though still alive malines

yeah be almost self-destructing there poor clearance a sequence of poor clearance here's Damian Thomas Tyreek Wilson Murray has been delivering some telling ones. TJ Cooper had to intercept. You feel he had to because that was another good delivery from Murray. Had a good shape on it and you felt it was going to arrive at the feet of the substitute. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. And looking to repeat his exploits in the first half of his pass going to one Nigerian or another Nigerian polite still getting that ball fortuitously. Can they whip something across? It comes across and OK couldn't find the finish there. Livingston trying to muff up the danger at the back post. Can he find a delivery? Brian Brown. Yeah, both in castigating his defenders for the laps and the the lack of quality sometimes in the defensive area. Another corner from Alliance. Yeah, both teams showing sign that they can give they can give up a goal. I wouldn't even say can score. Headed back to Livingston. Whips it across. Headed away. Ramsey was late to it. And that one from Quester or that from Frankson was over the top. So it's 22. And you might be thinking, okay, these two teams will say, okay, we're here now. Let's play it safe a bit. Both teams want to win it. But we don't want to go to penalties.

You did see one penalty on here. Several penalty shootouts have gone on in this Popeye's Challenge Cup, but we were only privileged to see one live on air. Privilege is a strong word. I say privilege cuz I'm I'm neutral. So, I enjoy that. Again, enjoy is a very strong word. But anyway, when you when you have teams that you've backed um getting major trophies through penalty shootouts, then you enjoy them. I mean, defending champions for the World Cup is a team I support. So, yes. And he did manage to live the cup on the back of a penalty shootout or penalty shootouts, I dare say. Here's

Montego United in possession. McKenzie screaming forward. I thought he was going to let fly just now. He shaped as if he was going to let fly. would would not have been surprised and we would love to see him do that here in this type of condition and see how Ds. Not that he has given any of the goalkeepers in the past in recent past a chance to deal with it. He has unleashed missile and none of the interceptors were able to deal with it.

Malachi Sterling steps across to take this corner kick in the 72nd minute of the encounter. Has already sparked a comeback from a set piece. This one low and lacking any real penetrative threat. Nicholas Nelson holding the ball releasing. Okay. Bundle of the ball easily. Gibbs now on his bike. drives forward. Gibbs and he left something on Sergini Frankson.

Kea Nicholson having a chat with Frankson just to find out his state before he dishes this card. Gibbs left in the course for it as well. Well, maybe knowing a yellow card is coming. Doesn't want to get up. referee wants to give it to him when he's on his lead. Only way he'll probably give it to him is if he's going off on his stretcher, then he'll just walk over to him and give it to him. But yeah, was a bit out of control. Those type of challenges, you don't want to see them because, you know, feet leaving the ground and going in just over dribble. Dear Gibbs needed to have released that ball earlier. Yeah, the yellow card now shown 73rd minute United number. Which way will this pendulum swing? If you were to put your money on it, not say you're a betting man, but I guess you can play it a little bit figuratively. Far from based on what I've been see Well, it's really hard. You know, it's been a game of moments. I I can't say that either team has really outplayed the other. It's really been who's taken the moments. I think we've seen ex We spoke about it. Well, I'd mentioned it at the beginning of the second half after this. Here's a delivery. Here's a shot and it was GOING STRAIGHT TO GOAL. MARCO THOMPSON HAD TO MAKE A SAVE. WELL, I don't think referee saying he didn't make a save. Nelson wanted some a second opportunity to worry Montego Bay not getting that opportunity. With that I have to say I talk about at the beginning of the half that M will would have hoped that this game and the cliche around football being a game of two halves would have come to the four certainly has for them because you said not outplayed but the first half I think malign were certainly the better team and was good value for their two goal lead didn't create much at all if any and didn't worry D I can't remember D having to make a serious save but they've certainly come in this second half and has scored two goals and look good going forward. But malign still is a worry cuz they've had some decent lookings in this second half. Here's Daily for M. Couldn't find a pass. Players starting to slip. Tick Wilson pounded by Daly. Gave him a petulent slap as well. Yeah, I didn't like it. But everything to fight for, Wilson. They're not going to just allow you to roam about

Cooper stepping up into midfield to do that challenge. Maybe need to just ask or communicate a little bit more getting his midfielders to do the work. Substitution for line is one that they're feeling is not doing as well as coming in. That's Demar Mclofflin. And number 14, Sergina Frankson coming off. And Frankson coming off. 21. That's a Dane Murray. He's being replaced by number five, Enrique Gordon. Probably fresh legs when you think about Murray because Murray has had a decent game. Has some really good service in there. But maybe just the legs going now for Murray. And Enrique Gordon comes in. a natural as a defender but used a lot as a defender. Here's a chance. Oh, that was across the line. That should have been a moment for Malines. That should have been the lead back with Malines. Unbelievable. Okay. Yeah. Okay. Not as good as his countryman before him in terms of finding the back of the net, but that certainly should have been. 3-2 to Malines. I think Thompson was beaten and Mob just allowed that one to run. Just look at the defenders thinking that was going out. There was literally no recovery run or tracking back from the defender. That certainly should have nestled in the far corner.

Montigue breathe a sigh of relief and malign wondering if they're going to be spare their blushes here on that one because they'll remember that one if they go on to lose this contest. Yeah. Glorious opportunity and and and the question I asked you probably was rhetorical in terms of who is going to win it. I can't call it, but I I certainly will say that both teams look like they want to give one away, but Montega Bay looking a lot more shaky at the back. Here's Wilson OFF THE BAR and the offside flag was up against Nicholas Nelson. Just as I said, I said it. I mean, it's not a commentator's curse because I was saying that was what was happening with Monte at the back. Sixes and sevens. It's a nine. Call all the numbers you want. They're all over the park here at the back. And just now with that shot, Thompson was begging to the heavens and his best friend bailed him out the crossbar.

Another goal is certainly in it. That much I'd say. And I guess I can't be wrong either because if it goes to penalty, then there's I feel there have to be a goal. penalties that you enjoy. Yes. Daily giving chase here. Good work to for off the danger from a malign perspective. Sterling oh gets the pile and that will be on quite a lot of statuses I reckon. Reals will come out for sure. Yeah. Nigerian getting a taste of Jamaican skill set. Was that Samson? Okay. Yeah. Seems as if he's losing his hair. Well, it's it's adding insult to his thing. You know, he missed an open goal and then had to deal with being trimmed. And the guy Sterling kept his gear. Here's a free kick from Alliance. And that could be dangerous, you know. Yeah, this one could be dangerous. Yes. Let's just have a look. Here's a chance. Yeah, lovely curl on his totally bewildered. He didn't understand what was happening. And yeah, it was Wilson looking for his second and his third in the the Papey Challenge Cup. Not far off from it. Guess what? He's standing behind the kick as well. And why wouldn't he after that attempt from open play? Maybe he can he think he's thinking he can do better with the ball from a stationary position.

Well, we've seen my base score from a set play. Here's Wilson straight to the keeper.

What a strike. LINES WITH A BULLET WITH A MISSILE WITH A SLING OF David and Goliath is under the cost once more. Well, you have to say it's a bullet because the goalkeeper will have a lot of disappointment when he watches that man going back. But because you say it was a bullet, then I say maybe he got past him before he could react. BUT CERTAINLY SHOULD HAVE DONE MUCH BETTER WITH THAT ONE. GIVE THE KICKER credit though, WILSON, BECAUSE HE GOT it up and down. But certainly you expect goalkeeper Thompson to deal with that one. And all of the defenders WHEN THEY TURN AROUND WAS EXPECTING THAT one to be dealt with. But in this condition when it's wet, well, all you want to do AND WAS WAS PROBABLY SAYING TO HIMSELF, "LET ME GET THIS ONE on target because anything can happen here." And certainly he did. That one went up and down and straight through the hands of Thompson. And Montig Bay, the outfield players did so WELL TO GET BACK into this contest. But get it what I don't mind that because it makes me look like a genius and you know being Jeremiah the name maybe a profit because I did say Montego Bay looks looked the likelier to give up a goal and right on Q they just did and that was literally giving up a goal. The goalkeeper has been suspect of course just a few moments before. Had no idea whatsoever about that shot from Tyreek Wilson. Was waving as if he was missing a bus. And Mo must go again though. But like I say, they will feel like they have a chance to get back in it. Last eight minutes will be frantic.

They must be thinking penalties now. mobile. Let's see if we can bring it there because right now they're going out of it.

Here's Malines.

Good triangulation. Here's a delivery. SAM moves outside. Yeah. And boy, would he want to get on the score sheet having missed that one. But so far, Wilson has bailed him out. So that his miss is not going to be the biggest talking point in the changing room at the end of this one. If it stays like this, that is.

What can Monte United do in the final eight minutes of this encounter? Well, if you ask any of the Mobay players if having trailed 2-0 at halftime if with 8 minutes to go they would have just one goal behind and a chance to stretch this game further. Will it be one goal after this? Here's a delivery. Livingston straight to Sterling would have said yeah we'll take that with a chance but having gone 2-2 probably say no. It's a big disappointment to be here now. Nelson for Dupe. Livingston cuts the shot off and he spilled it and Nicholas Nelson couldn't get the finishing touch. Marco Thompson not really being sharp in front of goal. We did in front of his own goal. In goal, I should say. Yeah, we did mention Corner League earlier in reference to Soccer Express, but here's a big opportunity that's given away. Yeah, at the community football level, you do say someone is a shopkeeper rather than a goalkeeper. Yeah. Well, he won't be making any he wouldn't be making any profit giving things away like that. Here's M. Brian Brown gets it across Ramsey. Yeah, right. I was always thinking of the shot Ram Ramsey was the moment he called for it was because he felt he had enough space to execute. Did execute but not the way he would have wanted. And M fastly running out of time and running out of this Popeye's challenge cup.

Denai with the clearance. Whistle on the play. Another change being readed by Vero in the Balines dugout and they're looking to see this one off. Just want to shut Montego Bay out. 6 minutes but time to be added on at the end of this one. Monte Bay needs a goal be but first they want to get possession back from Malines. Here they come. Malines.

Good turn. NELSON STILL ALIVE. CAN THEY FINISH? Samson cut down once more. Is it the Nigerian again who misses that one? Well, seems he could have been on a hat-tick that would have taken Malines out of sight. You did mention Jeremiah the prophet, but first perhaps there's a Delila about here affecting Sam Snoke. Yeah, lovely turn. I mean, left Cooper for dead. Big save though from Thompson and then big miss. Well, deflection. So, you see Spar's blushes there. Malines corner kick for them. Can they put some gap? Real gap between themselves and Montega Bay. Here's the delivery at the back post. There's problem. Marco Thompson had to make the save. Seemed seemed as if it was going to be an Olympico, you know. Yeah, that one. Not sure it was dipping under the bar, but again it was Wilson looking for his hat-tick direct from the corner kick. He's not going to try to cross toitate this one. He's going to see if he can get on to the end of a service. Livingston going over has been a really good watch. A lively contest and say quality all over in terms of every phase of it. Defensively, Monte Kub has been all over the place, but not a bad watch. You've gotten five goals in it and in these knockout games for that. No, no. In these knockout games, that's that's good. Good end product. Still alive. MINES NICHOLAS NELSON WITH THE STRIKE OF QUALITY. MAN, THAT RASHAN LIVINGSTON IT WAS. WOW. What quality? That's huge quality FROM HIM. IT'S NOT JUST THE FINISH, BUT JUST HAVE A LOOK WHEN we see the replay of the buildup OF IT. IT'S LIKE a a footballer's dream to score a goal like that because what I think I saw was that was a nutmeg or a solid as we call it before unleashing a powerful low drive into goal into the heart of Monte Bay. AND JUST LIKE THAT, LINES Marshon into the semifinals of the Popeyes Cup. Just have a look here. Yeah. Through the legs of Sterling and then a low shot that elude Thompson number seven. And when he looks back at that one, it will certainly be on his reel. Yeah, Livingston. But Monte Bay reeling here at the feet of malign heading out of the Popeye's Challenge Cup and a disappointing season coming to an end. It would seem here most certain it appears because for them to come back here it would be a miracle. So Livingston on the score sheet with a beauty when you look at it from the buildup to the finish. Here's DeAndre Brown from M. He's trying to spark something. No, he's he's looking for something rather than sparking something not given by the referee.

Epitomizing his game of much of nothing. Cooper needed to make that challenge. He did. But M running out of time fast as well. Malign certainly from the opening whistle did seem the team well certainly not seen but started quick of the two teams out of the blocks and certainly was good value for their two goal lead at halftime. Saw that two goal lead disappear in the second half from a Mumbai team reorganized and and and refreshed. But because of the way Mobay has been playing and defending, you always felt there was a chance from Alliance to get in it. We mention it here and it came to fruition. WILSON DEFLECTION. Marco Thompson holds on to it. And and and and for the misses they have in terms of personnel, Montego Bay, Tamar Lewis not in here. Um Merrick on national duties. Odelin Harden Harden out as well. And Webbley Wedley out as well. Yeah, it seems like it was just too much for them to to deal with those misses. And and and beyond that, you have the likes of uh Akima Jones who has hasn't really featured in the Popeye's Challenge Cup. Yeah. Lucas Lemur Korea. Yeah. Yeah. Quite a few of their normal starters not there. HERE'S AN OPPORTUNITY. SAMSON. OKAY. THAT IS IT. FINALLY. 90TH MINUTE. HIS HAIR HAS GROWN BACK. SAMSON and David has outed the Philistines. Goliath. Yeah. Done and dusted. They were certainly out. But that's like nicely on the cake. just rubbing salt into the wound of Montego Bay. Cooper Eda not covering him in glory. Heading back just jogging back just needed to run maybe as remmonstrating here by his teammate McKenzie saying look a side on run rather than running straight back. Just have a look here. Yeah, but he did get a bit side on, but maybe his initial movement was not causing him to cover enough ground to get back to have a header going forward. Always easier to run on a side on than straight back. And yeah, Samson took advantage of it. And Mbar here by Malines. Fourth time they've met this season. and Malines getting in their first win against them. Three times in the Premier League, two losses and a drawn game tonight. They went one step further where it mattered. It seems as if they're hunger for more, you know, and they can get more based on the way Mob has defended. Like I said, it's just that Mob were worse off in terms of their defensive display than Malines. And that much I said earlier and Malines they've taken advantage of it

but you feel for Cooper who's had a decent enough game. It's been one or two times caught out having to do a lot of work and his last game here was a man of the match performance but really put to the sword tonight himself and his team by this malign team and up against a really widely experienced customer for much of this contest. Nelson is who Cooper has had to deal with. Wilson goes well high well way and they feel like they can score from anywhere on this park against this Montega Bay team tonight malign huge result for them and a chance to lift their season they did manage to lift themselves out of the relegation zone and survive now they're looking for silverware how quick can things turn. McKenzie looks to be where he'll exit the Popeye's Challenge Cup. Has been having fine goalc scoring vein of form, but Malines certainly have booked. You'd imagine there's space. Here's a shot and that too from Javon Angling. And maybe the coaches will say for Montego Bay that this is the reason why they started the game the way they started it with the setup because of the fact that they know that they don't have enough in terms of personnel to really defend as well as they would want to in a in a in a game like this. So they had put more experienced players at the back. Uh but they still conceded two and but when they're not there they concede three. So worst off but either way they would be losing the contest anyway.

Only 15 seconds left in this one. The line's happy to play around. I would be surprised you start seeing some keeping up taking place on the park. Now they'll just to keep possession. You get the feeling. Yeah, just just keep the ball. There's no need to go for goal. As long as Miko Bay don't have it, then it's like Rond's here. Yeah, Derek Wilson,

that's a final whistle by the first team. All of five stones thrown by David have landed by defeating Montego in Montego Bay United's head. Five goals to two. The team from the west second best here. Malign they march with a big opportunity to lift silverware would be the first for their club. A big moment. The Popeye's CHALLENGE CUP HAS PROVIDED a moment of lasting memory for my lines. Nelson was in the thick of things. He laid one on a platter to bring them two- nil up right at the stroke of Halime. But there was a flurry from Mo. They came back to all but after that malign unleashed and David in this contest still alive. Monte United 2 malign five chicken. Yeah, we'll take a look at the full match highlight and Montego Bay. They got this contest going, but it was Malines who got out of the blocks quicker and Murray served up some notice earlier that he was going to be a telling force in this contest looking to link up with his Nigerian teammate and didn't get that one off on that occasion, but certainly a telling one. And here he certainly found him. And that was a good pass, good cross into the box and even a lovely finish. A lovely finish from Sulleon. And on that occasion, you can't fall Thompson because it was the pass that really created that one. Here's Murray again looking to create something ded in. But you felt Thompson should have called for that one. Should have come for it. and McKenzie headed. There was no imminent danger at the time, but Nelson once he got on it, the alarm bells were ringing and the experienced Nelson just held off the defender and then moved out the way. Just look at the cross here, Thompson. There was no threat you felt at that ball gone through and the header created the moment for a lines and Nelson, just look at him laying it off, but he's in the defender out of the way, creating enough space for that goal to be scored. and Silon just like that. Get onto it. Yep.

Molynes United beat Montego Bay United 5-2 to reach Popeyes Challenge Cup final

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