LONDON – On-loan teenage forward Shaq Forde, whose father is a former Barbados international, scored the only goal of the match to earn a crucial three points as York City edged fifth-tier English National League promotion hopefuls Barnet 1-0 at the LNER Community Stadium.
Despite the defeat Dean Brennan’s team remain fifth in the table and still on course for a top-seven finish that would see them enter next month’s play-offs.
York, in 18th place, are now eight points clear of the drop zone.
The 18-year-old Forde, who is on loan from Championship outfit Watford, struck five minutes before half-time, netting his eighth goal of the season after racing clear to rifle his shot past Barnet goalkeeper Laurie Walker.
Hosts York had plenty of chances to double their advantage, but Forde’s strike ultimately gave them only a second win from their past six league games.
“We’ll take that 1-0, it could have been four or five,” said manager Michael Morton.
“I’m just delighted. I can’t remember them having a shot.”
Forde’s father Fabian made two appearances for the Bajan Tridents in 2002, and Shaq is eligible to represent the CONCACAF nation at international level.
The highlight of his son’s season so far was a hat-trick against now relegated Maidstone United, having joined York on loan from the Hornets on December 28.
Jamaican Brett brace helps Legion extend lead
ST PETERSBURG, Florida, USA – Reggae Boy forward Neco Brett netted a brace as Birmingham Legion marched to their third straight win in the United Soccer League with a 2-0 victory over Tampa Bay Rowdies last weekend.
The 31-year-old, who made his debut for Jamaica last May against Catalonia but has not played since, scored deep in first half stoppage before adding his second in the 82rd minute Al Lang Stadium.
With the win, Legion opened up a four-point lead at the top of the Eastern Conference, with FC Tulsa, Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Louisville City all chasing on six points.
Playing on Saturday on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the visitors were on the offensive from the outset, Martinez forcing a save out of goalkeeper Phil Breno as early as the second minute before Brett’s freekick, a low drive from 20 yards out, forced the custodian into action again in the 10th minute.
They went ahead in the dying moments of the first half, however, Kasim Prosper floating a lovely cross into the box for Brett to clinically put a stooping header past Breno from the middle of the box.
Collin Smith nearly extended Legion’s lead in the 81st but his low shot was saved by Breno, and moments later Brett provided his side with the crucial second goal to complete his brace.
Seventeen-year-old midfielder Matthew Corcoran ran onto a long clearance from substitute goalie goalkeeper Trevor Spangenberg, held off defender Aaron Guillen down the right hand side before squaring for Brett, who out-paced the two centre backs to poke him from close range.
The brace took Brett to a record 29 goals for Legion and 75 USL goals, leaving him fifth in the all-time standings.
(CMC)
