Mount Pleasant capture Magnum Eastern Confed title

Kesslan Hall led Mount Pleasant of St Ann a step closer to top-flight football as they defeated St Mary's Albion Mountain in the Magnum/Eastern Confederation final at Drax Hall yesterday.

Hall was certainly the hero for his team, as he scored twice during the regular and extra-time period that ended 2-2. And he converted the winning penalty in the shoot-out that finished 4-3.

Hall sent the Paul 'Tegat' Davis-coached team 2-0 ahead when he netted in the 35th and 39th minutes. However, Albion Mountain fought back with goals by Dyane Silvera in the 43rd minute and substitute Christopher Plunkett in the 71st minute.

The champions finished the game with 10 players after defender Alphanso Brown received a second yellow card and was ejected late in the game.

Hall was naturally elated that his team won the Confed title and will now enter the Jamaica Football Federation promotion play-off to the Red Stripe Premier League next season.

"I thank God for the win because it is a final where both teams come to win. We worked hard for the victory and now have the chance to enter the play-off for a spot in the Premier League next season," Hall said immediately after the game.

The player, who transferred from Manchioneal in Portland, said he was fully focussed when kicking the decisive penalty.

"When stepping up to kick the penalty, I was focussed just like a camera. I was a bit nervy knowing that I had to score the penalty to win. I am used to it as I am playing from age 10. I am used to the big moments," he said.

"I got a chance to score a third goal and go 3-1, and that played on my mind a bit. Then we went down to 10 players and the team came through in the penalty kicks," said Hall, who was called to the Reggae Boyz last year, but yet to make an appearance for the national team.

Coach of Albion Mountain Teneil Rhoden said he was emotional after the game as he felt the team gave it away.

"I feel it until I cried. We had the game in our hands, two times. The game should not even reach penalty kicks. We got a chance in the closing minutes and did not capitalise," Rhoden said.

"We also led in the penalty kicks 3-1 and missed our last two kicks and end up losing. I am feeling devastated. This is a hard one to take." he reflected.

Mount Pleasant walked away with the trophy and the $200,000 incentive.