Adrian Frater, News Editor

Gillings

WESTERN BUREAU:

WADADAH CLAIMED the fourth and final semi-final spot in the 2007-08 Captain's Bakery Western Super Football League without kicking a ball yesterday afternoon as while their opponent failed to show, Salem FC, their rivals for the slot, lost to defending champions Granville.

As a consequence of yesterday's results, the four teams that will contest the competition's semi-finals are Granville, Salt Spring, Negril and Wadadah. In the semi-finals, Granville will meet Negril while Salt Spring will battle Wadadah.

Wadadah, who needed only a point from the game they were slated to play against Holland at the UDC field in Montego Bay, were left idle as the Holland team reported 45 minutes late for the game and by then, the match officials had called off the game and left the venue.

Salem, whose only chance of making the semi-finals was dependent on them beating Granville at Jarrett Park and Wadadah losing to Holland, suffered a 3-2 defeat to Granville, which effectively ended their campaign, regardless of what ruling is made in regard to the Wadadah against Holland game.

"We are quite happy to be in the semi-finals," said Delroy Delisser, the coach of the Wadadah team. "Our hope is that we will go on to win the title as our aim is to get back into the Cash Plus Premier League next season."

In the game at Jarrett Park, Salem got off to a positive start when Markino Gillings pounced on a pass from Alton Shaw and fired them into a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute. However, their joy was short-lived as Michael Thompson pulled Granville level in the 38th minute, making the halftime score 1-1.

Diminished hopes

Granville went ahead a minute into the second half when Garth Johnson fired a fierce close-range grounder past the goalkeeper, making the score 2-1. However, the resolute Salem struck back in the 53rd minute when Gillings won possession inside a crowded goal area and slotted home, making the score 2-2.

Granville blunted all hopes of Salem advancing to the semi-finals in the 76th minute when the wily David Gilliard chest-controlled elegantly on the edge of the penalty area, turned sweetly and cracked a powerful shot passed the helpless Garth Johnson in goal for Salem, making the final score 3-2.