Kemps Hill revive hopes with win over Cornwall

KEMPS Hill continued their giant-killing role in this year's ISSA daCosta Cup football competition after taking down Cornwall College 3-1 in their Group A quarter-final encounter at Glenmuir High School yesterday.

Coming off a 2-3 defeat a few days earlier to Glenmuir High at the same venue, and playing their second and penultimate game of the group stage, Kemps Hill needed a positive result to stay in the semi-final hunt. It was also a chance to avenge their 0-2 loss away to Cornwall in the round of 16.

Kemps Hill started with intent, stunning the travelling fans by striking three times inside the first half. With the game only 14 minutes old, a slick three-man combination involving Greg Hamilton, Shevar Daley and Robert Donaldson ripped open the Cornwall defence. Donaldson, with only the goalkeeper to beat, calmly slotted home to make it 1-0.

Five minutes later, Hamilton doubled the lead in the 19th minute, before Daley made it 3-0 from the penalty spot after Donaldson was brought down in the area.

Cornwall, led by Carlondo Morris, Mekhi Foster and Kayon Donaldson, fought back in the final 10 minutes of the half. They were rewarded in the 42nd minute when Morris reduced the deficit with a well-taken goal, cutting the lead to 3-1 at halftime.

The win pushed Kemps Hill level with Cornwall on three points, but ahead on goal difference (+1), McGrath High sit on zero. Leaders Glenmuir have six points and look likely to advance, leaving Saturday's final round decisive. Kemps Hill will travel to McGrath, who are yet to earn a point, while Cornwall host Glenmuir in what could be a must-win outing.