Dubliner Kaleem Simon grabs an assist from the bench as Montserrat make history with first-ever World Cup victory
Simon was a late substitute as Montserrat made history by achieving their first ever victory in World Cup qualifying, a 4-0 triumph over the US Virgin Islands. Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)
Dubliner Kaleem Simon was a late substitute and registered an assist as Montserrat made history by achieving their first ever victory in World Cup qualifying, a 4-0 triumph over the US Virgin Islands.
The former UCD, Longford Town and Bohemians winger replaced Jamie Allen for the final nine minutes as he registered his third appearance for his country.
Goals from Nathan Pond and Rohan Ince, and a double for substitute Adrian Clifton, saw the Caribbean side end a 21-year wait for a victory and move move top of qualifying Group A.
They sit a point clear of Antigua and Barbuda and El Salvador and two ahead of Grenada, though all three have a game in hand.
The game was played in the Dominican Republic capital San Cristóbal due to Covid-19 travel restrictions in Montserrat but the ‘home’ side were nonetheless firm favourites.
Montserrat came into the game fourth in the five-team group and knew that nothing less than a convincing win would keep them in contention for the sole spot in the play-off round.
A 2-2 draw with Antigua and Barbuda and a 1-1 stalemate with El Salvador, with all three goals coming from captain and Nottingham Forest striker Lyle Taylor, left them with two points from two.
That meant six points were the minimum requirement from their final two games against the US Virgin Islands and Grenada if they were to top the group.
It took 39 minutes for Montserrat to make the breakthrough through defender Pond, who was most recently with English sixth-tier side Fylde after spells with Fleetwood Town and Salford City.
Former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Ince added a second one the hour before sub Clifton added his first shortly afterwards.
Simon was introduced late on and set up Cliften, who has most recently lined out with National League side Dagenham & Redbridge, to add his second to wrap up a historic win.
Speaking to Extratime.com earlier this week, Simon said: “We probably should have beaten Antigua, and we could have beaten El Salvador as well, we had chances to win the game.
“To not put either team to bed is quite frustrating but if we can win our next two games, hopefully things will go our way.
“If we do, we could be playing against the likes of the US and Honduras in the second round of qualifiers, so we just have to hope and pray.”
Tonight's Standings pic.twitter.com/uaHozysRnx
— Montserrat FA (@Montserrat_FA) June 2, 2021
