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Reno vow to hit back in Tier II second leg
June 11, 2024
Racing United and Chapelton Maroons both have one foot in the Jamaica Football Championship (Tier II) final after first leg semifinal victories on Sunday.
Racing turned back Reno 2-0 at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, while Chapelton were 2-1 winners away to Tru Juice at the Bramwell Clarke Sports Complex.
However, Reno coach Patrick Graham believes the tie is far from over and is convinced they can turn it around at home this weekend.
"We are behind the eighth ball now so everything is against us but as we know from the beginning, it's a game of two halves," Graham said.
"We had a half at their home and they have a half at our home. They were able to win the game at their home, hopefully, we can do the same," he said.
Although he admits that their task will be more difficult coming from behind, he has no doubt they can get the job done.
"The challenge is even greater now than it was before, considering that we are two goals down.
"So we definitely have to turn up for this one. But it's a game we have to win if we are to progress to the final, and we will do our necessary preparation for that game on Sunday.
"I think we can turn it around. Our field will also contribute to our style of play. But definitely we will get ourselves ready for the game on Sunday," he added.
Racing took the lead on Sunday through a Mark Taylor's own goal after 14 minutes, before Deandro Johnson sealed the win with a 63rd-minute goal.
Coach Anthony Patrick described his team's performance as 'workmanlike' but he thought they should have put the tie to bed from the first half.
"First half we knew what Reno were going to throw at us. But we played according to plan. The second half we totally took charge of the game, although we should have killed off the game in the first 15 minutes," he said.
"Our centre forward missed two easy chances but we got a goal in the 14th minute and totally took charge in the second half.
"It's a win but we it's still not over as yet. We have a next leg and a next 90 minutes to go at Reno. It is going to be difficult but we are up for the task."
