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Dandy Town Hornets 1 North Village Rams 0
David Jones Jr’s early strike proved the difference as Dandy Town Hornets secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over North Village Rams to defend their Friendship Trophy title.
Dandy Town Hornets Starting Line-up: Jahquil Hill, Tomiko Goater (Kennahz Fray 78th), Lejuan Simmons, Lazai Outerbridge, Terrance Webb Jr., Nizigh Spence (Demetre Daniels 73rd), Riley Robinson (Angelo Simmons 78th), Edry Moore, Quadir Maynard (Enrique Swan 73rd), Dante Leverock, David Jones Jr (Jahkari Furbert 78th) - Substitutes - Hayden Dill, Adrian Trott, Eusebio Blankendal, Jaiden Manders - North Village Rams Starting Line-Up - Detre Bell, Anijahe Santos (Adio Deshields 46th), Tah-mi Williams, London Steede, Seke Spence (Jai Bean 73rd), Jonte Smith, Knory Scott (Jaizel Smith Deshields 63rd), Jordan Outerbridge, Quinn Outerbridge, Kyler Knights, Jalen Harvey - Substitutes - Camajé Easton-Smith, Amir Brangman-Johnson, Justin Sukdeo, Tah-Ki Tucker, Pierre Smith, Kiuno Cann
In a cagey final defined by defensive resilience, the Hornets managed to exorcise their historical demons against the Rams, securing their first-ever victory over their rivals in a Friendship showpiece.
The match was decided in the opening exchanges. With just seven minutes on the clock, David Jones Jr found space in the box to slot home what would become the winning goal. The early advantage allowed the Hornets to settle into a rhythm, while North Village spent much of the first half searching for an equalizer that never materialized.
The Rams, led by the experienced Jalen Harvey and London Steede, struggled to break down a compact Hornets backline anchored by Dante Leverock. Despite flashes of creativity from Knory Scott, the holders went into the interval with their lead intact.
The second half saw North Village manager Calvin Dill Jr. look to his bench for inspiration, introducing Adio Deshields at the break and later Jai Bean in an attempt to inject pace into the attack.
While the second period produced several half-chances for both sides, the Hornets' defensive discipline remained unshakeable. Goalkeeper Jahquil Hill commanded his area well, frustrating the Rams' frontline at every turn.
In a bid to freshen up the side and see out the result, Hornets coach Jarreau Hayward utilized his squad depth late on, introducing the likes of Angelo Simmons and Jahkari Furbert. The tactical shifts paid off, as the Hornets successfully blunted the Rams' late surges to ensure the trophy stayed at St. John's Field.
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