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Defending champions Garvey Maceo taking one step at a time
October 13, 2025
Coming off an impressive 3-2 win in their final zonal playoff daCosta Cup football match away to Glenmuir High, defending champions Garvey Maceo High were expected to roll over Old Harbour High in their opening round-of-32 Group 7 clash at home last Saturday. On the other hand, Old Harbour High advanced as one of the best third-place teams.
The defending champions, however, did not take anything for granted and in the end, the Lester Hibbert-coached team, though not at their best, produced a strong finish in the final 20 minutes to come away 3-0 winners over Old Harbour.
Victory gave them early control of the group with three points, as Paul Bogle and Titchfield drew 2-2 in their matchup at York Oval to pick up one point each.
"It's all about starting the round on a positive note and picking up three points. I'm happy for this," said Hibbert. "Old Harbour played a compact game and were difficult to break down, but once we scored the first goal, the game opened up and we were able to add to our tally."
"It's good to get the three points," he added. "We'll take it step by step going into our next game away to Titchfield."
Old Harbour showed no fear early on, going toe-to-toe with the champions in a first half where both teams struggled with finishing.
Garvey Maceo eventually took the lead in the 33rd minute after a goalkeeping error. Old Harbour's Cyril Robinson failed to hold on to a shot from 18 yards, allowing striker Damion McIntosh to tap home from six yards for a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Heavy rain during the break made conditions tricky early in the second half, and both goalkeepers had little to do for a while. But, as they have done all season, Garvey Maceo showed their resilience, dominating the final 15 minutes.
Under pressure, Old Harbour cracked in the 82nd minute when a defender headed the ball into his own net from a corner kick to make it 2-0 for the defending champions.
In the 89th minute, the champions sealed the win with their best move of the game. Lexjay Gordon weaved his way past three players, before being brought down inside the area, earning a penalty. Malik Robinson calmly converted from the spot, sparking wild celebrations from his teammates on the bench who ran to greet him.
