Robin Hood 0 Somerset Trojans 1

Kymani McNeil capitalised on a defensive mistake to send Somerset Trojans into the First Division Shield final with a scrappy semi-final victory over Robin Hood at PHC Stadium last night.

Both sides began aggressively, with Robin Hood adopting a compact shape out of possession. They created the first clear-cut opportunity inside five minutes, but captain Chance Eve failed to hit the target from a well-placed ball by Samuel Carolo.

Trojans grew into the game but struggled to string passes together as steady rain began to fall.

Both teams found more success in wide areas as the midfield battle remained scrappy and physical, with Trojans slightly edging it. The lack of a focal point meant everything had to be played on the ground, but both sides showed a lack of quality in the final third. Somerset finished the first half stronger but had nothing to show for their efforts.

Trojans took the lead early in the second half following a defensive lapse between Robin Hood’s defence and goalkeeper Nathaniel Swan, who was off his line while the team attempted to play out from the back. Keiaron Bean’s loose pass was intercepted by McNeil, who calmly rounded Swan and finished into the empty net.

Robin Hood made three substitutions to change the game’s complexion, but Carolo missed a golden chance to equalise from inside the area just before the hour mark.

The game became stop-start, with neither side taking control. However, Trojans ensured they retained their slender lead, showing hunger and desire to manage the match. Hood tried a more direct approach and focused on winning second balls but failed to break through Somerset’s resolute defence.

Jaden Ratteray-Smith demonstrated Somerset’s game management when he took the ball toward the corner flag as time wound down during a counter-attack.

Trojans completed a gritty display and held firm to secure their place in the Shield final, where they will face Boulevard on New Year’s Day.

SCORERS

Somerset Trojans: Kymani McNeil 46

TEAMS

Robin Hood (4-2-3-1): N Swan 5 – S Madeiros 6, K Bean 6, J Cooper 6 (sub: C Tucker, 51 5), L Horan 6 – S Carolo 6 (sub: R Ziai, 88), C Booth 5 (sub: C Smith, 51 5) – T Bean 5, H Dill 5 (sub: X Muwwakkil-Allen, 85), K Naylor 5 – C Eve 5. Substitutes not used: B Tysen-Gooden, J Roberts; Booked: Dill.

Somerset Trojans (4-2-3-1): K Symonds 6 – M Tear-DeLeon 6, T Outerbridge 6, E Shakir 6 (sub: J Brangman, 87), Kameron McNeil 6 – J Greaves 5, P Robinson 6 – K Cann 5 (sub: J Powell, 72), J Ratteray-Smith 7, J Shields 6 – Kymani McNeil 6 (sub: T Wade, 72). Substitutes not used: I Francis, N Edwards, C Durham, E Mendes; Booked: Shakir, Shields.

Referee: A Francis.