Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

Seba United and Granville FC both made winning starts to their 2008-09 Western Confederation Super League campaign when they emerged 4-0 and 2-0 winners over Mt Salem and Violet Kickers, respectively, in Sunday's double-header at Jarrett Park, in Montego Bay.

In a game in which Violet Kickers' goalkeeper Warren Barrett rolled back the clock with a brilliant display, characterised by a series of brilliant saves, the Tracy Reid-coached Granville snatched victory through goals from Michael Thompson (penalty) and Christopher Curry.

In the feature game, the Seba United team, which is seeking to regain their former Premier League status, reported in spanking good form and easily had the measure of Mt. Salem courtesy of goals by Wilfred Smith, Delroy Ellis and Kemar James.

Kept at bay

In their game, Granville had Violet Kickers on the run for long periods, but were kept at bay by goalkeeper Barrett, who looked almost invincible.

Barrett's goal was only breached when his defence gave up a 68th minute penalty, which was converted by Michael Thompson to give Granville a 1-0 lead.

Granville made it 2-0 in the 68th minute when the overlapping Curry pounced on a low cross before the goal and sent his glancing header wide of the helpless Barrett, making the final score 2-0.

"We took the decision to play a patient game today because we really wanted to make a winning start to the season," said Tracy Reid, the Granville coach. "Our focus this year is to treat each game like a final so it was important that we stayed composed."

Seba United were all business in their game against Mt Salem as they were on the scoresheet from as early as the 13th minute when Ellis sped goalward from midfield, rounded the goalkeeper and stroked the ball into the goal, making the half-time score 1-0.

Widened lead

In the second half, Seba United widened their lead in the 60th minute when they were awarded a penalty, which was duly converted by Smith, who sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

With time running out in the game and Mt Salem looking a beaten team, Seba struck again in the 80th and 81st minutes.

First, James outsped the defence and fired in a grounder to make the score 3-0 and shortly after, Smith dribbled through the defence and fired home, making the final score 4-0.

The 12-team competition, which is sponsored to the tune of $1.1 million, will see the winners pocketing $100,000 as well as earn a play-off place in the 2009-2010 Digicel Premier League elimination, the gateway to the nation's premier competition.