Maximus, Branch shine in PM Cup openers

Jalen Branch scored two late goals for Brittons Hill United. (Photo Credit: Prime Minister’s Cup/IG) Jarad Maximus scored twice, including the opening goal from the penalty spot, as Ivy Rovers opened their Prime Minister’s Cup campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Pinelands on Tuesday night. Playing at Friendship Playing Field in St Michael in a Group B encounter, Maximus put Ivy Rovers ahead in the 10th minute from the penalty spot. Jamario Nichols doubled the advantage in the 28th minute, finishing from inside the box after good work by his teammates down the right flank. Maximus later added his second goal to complete a standout Player-of-the-Match performance. Second half action brought more pain for Pinelands as Riviera Cottle made the score 3-0 in Rovers favour, as the Pinelands defenders struggled with difficult playing conditions during heavy rain. Lamar Scantlebury pulled a goal back for Pinelands in the 88th minute, after heading home a long ball over the top of the defence, but Maximus struck once again in the 94th minute, slotting home clinically after a defensive error by Pinelands, to ensure Rovers would win by a three goal margin. Maximus said he was mentally prepared for the game. You Might Be Interested In “I knew it would be a physical game, so I just listened to the coach, did what I had to do and finished the ball. Moving forward you can expect more talent from me, taking on players and trying to help my teammates to do the same thing. “I know how it feels to go all the way to the final, so I believe that my team can go far and we’re going to try our best,” he added. In the nightcap game, substitute Jalen Branch scored two late goals to secure a 2-0 victory for Brittons Hill United over St Andrew Lions. Branch broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, much to the delight of the Brittons Hill fans who braved heavy showers to support their team. T’shane Lorde showed good skill down the left hand side before delivering a perfect cross for Branch, who was able to tap home from close range. Branch ensured Brittons Hill would be taking home all three points in the 91st minute. With the Lions playing a dangerously high defensive line in an effort to push for a late equaliser, Branch shrugged off the presence of the center backs, before lobbing a long range shot over the goalkeeper, who was well off his line. Branch was delighted with his efforts and speaking after the game, said he was always capable of making a quick impact. “I just need five minutes and I can give them something for sure. In the build up to the competition I did a lot of physical work with the coaches trying to get fit, but I am still not 100 per cent there,” a delighted Branch explained. “I think we can go all the way to the finals again like we did before. I was not in the team back then, but now I am here to help.” (KH)