Young Men’s Social Club 0 Devonshire Colts 1

Devonshire Colts still hold a slim chance of winning the Premier Division title with just three games to play after a narrow victory at Police Field on Sunday.

Chemarl Henry scored the crucial goal in the second half as Colts moved up to third in the league, four points behind leaders North Village, and captain Teniko Eve is thrilled how the side who won the First Division last season have performed in this campaign.

“We got the three points in the end,” Eve said. “We controlled the game but just got nervous in the final third.

“We have done really well this year and we are a young team, so will take things one game at a time.”

Colts controlled possession from the first whistle and dominated territory for the majority of the first half, knocking the ball around confidently and creating dangerous openings. But their attack lacked communication and conviction, allowing the Social Club defence to stay in shape.

Social Club gradually increased their forward intent and started to apply pressure on the Colts midfield, with captain Ryan Parris orchestrating some promising periods of play for the relegation-threatened team.

Colts continued to struggle in the final third as the half drew to a close but created their best opening when Deszion Davis fed a good ball into the left channel for Brandon O’Connor, who squared for Chemarl Henry. However, the striker placed his shot just wide of the near post.

Social Club had their best period straight after the restart but a lack of communication, which became a theme throughout the game, meant they were unable to consistently trouble the Colts back line.

Just after the hour, Henry produced a moment of magic to ultimately win the game. Daniel Ball passed infield to the striker, who cut inside to make room for himself before turning back onto his right foot to fool Social Club goalkeeper Ryan Evans and place the shot into the near post.

Colts were unlucky not to extend their lead when Henry nearly turned chief creator five minutes after scoring. He flicked a pass for Eve to juggle and then rattle his shot just over the crossbar.

Henry continued to showcase his talent in the final 20 minutes as Social Club shuffled the pack. He played a cute ball into Daniel Ball, whose strike forced a comfortable reflex save out of Evans.

Social Club should have equalised in the final minute when substitute Jesse Seymour found the exhausted Josh Hardtman. To his credit, Hardtman got enough power and direction on his effort to force Colts goalkeeper Jaden Mills-Furbert into his first difficult save of the day.

Hardtman retrieved the ball to cross for the adventurous Richardson but Mills-Furbert collected his downward header with grateful arms.

Colts had further gilt-edged opportunities to double their lead in stoppage time. First, Henry latched onto a misplaced pass by Social Club midfielder Robert Rawlings. His poor first touch allowed Evans to snatch the ball from beneath his feet. The keeper’s subsequent kick went straight to Jahkeylo Burgess, who played Eve into space, but the captain had his effort blocked by the retreating Richardson.

SCORERS

Devonshire Colts: Henry 62

TEAMS

Young Men’s Social Club (4-2-3-1): R Evans 6 – K Smith 5 (sub: P Smith, 67min 5), J Richardson 6, R Rawlings 5, T Butterfield 5 (sub: J Mallory, 76) – R Parris 6, M Hardtman 5 (sub: J Seymour 61, 6) – T Tucker 6, G Butterfield 5, M Wilson 5 (sub: M Rudo, 61 5) – J Hardtman 6. Substitutes not used: A Matthews, B Swan Jr. Booked: M Hardtman, Wilson, Richardson.

Devonshire Colts (4-2-3-1): J Mills-Furbert 6 – S Burgess 7, J Dublin 7, D Davis 6, J Paynter 6 – M Selassie 6, J Burgess 6 – D Ball 6 (sub: S Blair-Paynter, 81), T Eve 6, B O’Connor 6 (sub: J Salaam, 67 5) – C Henry 7. Substitutes not used: J Jackson, I Naylor, Z Simmons, A Van Duyne. Booked: Davis, O’Connor, Henry.

Referee: M Wyer.