Frome, Glenmuir hunt d-Cup glory

Adrian Frater, News Editor
Western Bureau:

When Frome Technical and Glenmuir clash at Jarrett Park in Montego Bay this afternoon in the 2006 ISSA/Pepsi/JN daCosta Cup final, slated for a 3:00 p.m. kick-off, it will be much more than just a repeat of the 2004 final as in addition to coveted cup, the winner will walk away with a cash award for the first time.

While Glenmuir's coach Jackie Walters does not see his team extracting any psychological advantage from the 2-0 win they registered in winning the cup two years ago, Frome Technical's coach Boysie Nicholson has made it quite clear that his team will be on a mission to avenge that loss.

"Our fans were very disappointed when we lost the 2004 final so part of our motivation this time around is to avenge that loss for them," said Nicholson, who was also at the helm when Frome gained their first hold on the title in 2003. "The players are highly motivated and our confidence level is extremely high."

For the Glenmuir team, which announced at the start of the season that they were in a rebuilding mode, unlike last year's final when they were the overwhelming favourites, they see getting to the final as a bonus and intend to do everything possible to end the season with the trophy.

Overconfident

"In last year's final we were overconfident going into the game against Godfrey Stewart and it cost us dearly," said Walters, arguably the best schoolboy coach. "Because the odds were against us all season, there is no reason for overconfidence although we are definitely aiming to give Frome a run for their money."

Based on their respective records in the competition, which sees the teams almost equally matched in terms of results, this is a contest that clearly has the potential to go either way.

In 16 games, Glenmuir won 14 times and had two losses. In the process, they have scored 47 goals and conceded eight.

In 14 games, Frome won 11 times, lost one and drew three. They have scored 38 goals and conceded 13.

"Our main strength is our very strong strike force," said Nicholson, who guided his team to the Ben Francis Cup earlier this season. "We have been getting a lot of goals and this team reminds me very much of our 2003 championship winning team, which was a team that scored a lot of goals."

While coach Nicholson prefers to project his team as a cohesive unit, there is no denying that a number of players have emerged as individual stars and are seen as the power behind the team. In defence, goalkeeper Shamar Mullings and central defenders Linval Wilson Jr and Odane Ottey are all considered exceptional players.

In midfield, the lanky Obrian 'Beckham' Woodbine is considered Frome's undisputed general while skipper Demar Howard, Clovis Crooks and Delano Rankine are seen as the supporting cast. In attack, the prolific Sedane McCreath and Keswick Samuels are highly recognised for their goalscoring prowess.

While not as endowed as Frome in terms of individual talent, the Glenmuir camp sees their team as a unified aggregation, with each member pulling for each other. In fact, coach Walters says that is his main strength going into today's final.

"The players recognised from quite early that their greatest strength is in playing for each other and that is one of the things that has been working well for this team," said Walters. "After battling the odds and reaching this far, I know they are ready and raring to become champions."

With top player, national Under-20 striker James Thomas leading the charge for Glenmuir, it is believed that he will provide the motivation to drive the likes of Trevol Smith, Christopher Calder and Matthew Ashman as they reach for the stars.