Dandy Town 3 Somerset Trojans 1

Dandy Town remain in contention for a triple crown triumph ― League, FA Cup and Friendship Trophy ― after seeing off Somerset Trojans in this FA Cup quarter-final at Goose Gosling Field yesterday.

Trojans gave a spirited display throughout but were punished for defensive blunders to help hand the opposition victory, much to the delight of Town coach Aaron Denkins.

“Somerset are always tricky. They are an emotionally, intense team and we just wanted to apply pressure to create chances. Today, we were able to capitalise on their errors.” he said.

Town skipper Angelo Simmons and first-string Trojans’ goalkeeper Jade Morrissey were noticeable absentees from their respective teams as Barbadian referee Jamar Springer blew the opening whistle.

Town goalkeeper, Jaiden Manders, was called upon to make a save as early as the second minute when he denied Jahkari Furbert.

Not to be outdone, young Trojans’ stand in goalkeeper, Nkenge Durham, pushed Nizigh Spence’s low drive to safety shortly after.

However, a minute later, Trojans’ skipper Jaz Ratteray-Smith and Durham had a miscommunication from a left-sided cross and the loose ball was seized upon by Enrique Swan who slotted the ball past the stranded goalkeeper.

Trojans were, not only one goal down, but also lost Bermuda international Donte Brangman who pulled a hamstring in tracking down the ball prior to the cross.

Within minutes, Town doubled their lead when Durham rushed off his line for an attempted punch which Ratteray-Smith appeared to have covered allowing Azendae Furbert to lob a header into the empty net.

The Trojans pulled one back early in the second half when Tyrell snaked along the touchline before crossing to Furbert. The forward controlled and hit a firm shot on the turn, beating Manders.

Town restored their two-goal lead within minutes with the goal of the game. Swan forced Durham to rush off his line and block his shot, after been put through, resulting in a corner.

The corner was knocked to the back post where Cecoy Robinson produced a thunderous volley giving the young custodian no chance.

With respect to chasing the triple crown, Denkins is remaining humble.

“We will take one game at a time,” he added. “Now it’s about managing players and injuries. We will contest for every trophy and see where it takes us.”

SCORERS

Dandy Town: E Swan 12, A Furbert 16, C Robinson 57

Somerset Trojans: J Furbert 52

TEAMS

Dandy Town (4-2-3-1): J Manders 6 ― E Blankendal 6, T Manders 6, M Issac 5 (sub: T Webb 46, 5), J Bean-Lindo 6 ― A Furbert 6, E Swan 6 (sub: A Estravit 81) ― N Spence 6 (sub: J Samuels 69, 5), T Goater 6, K Davis 5 (sub: M Parsons 69, 5) ― C Robinson 6 (sub: S Tatem 81). Substitutes not used: J Roser, S Darrell.

Somerset Trojans (4-1-4-1): N Durham 6 ― K Sharrieff Hayward 6, Jaz Ratteray-Smith 6, D Brangman 5 (sub: T Ming 14, 6) M Nisbett Tankard 6 ― D Ming 5 (sub: J Butterfield 69, 5) ― Jadan Ratteray-Smith 5, T Tyrell 6, J Corday 6, J Furbert 6 (sub: A Douglas 69, 5) ― K Brangman 5 (sub: N Rego 46, 6). Substitutes not used: J Warner, Q Watson, C Durham. Booked: Jaz Ratteray-Smith

Referee: J Springer (Barbados)