Defending champions cruise against Charlie

THERE WERE no devils lying in wait for the Craig Butler-coached Mona High School, as the defending ISSA Manning Cup champions kept their perfect run in Zone B going with a 3-0 win over Charlie Smith High School at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.

From the jump, Mona made their intentions known, the dangerous Denzil Mckenzie’s right-footed effort forcing Charlie Smith’s custodian Andre Bogle into a save in the opening minute of play.

By the ninth minute, Charlie Smith’s defenders were again scrambling to withstand the Mona pressure as Demarion Harris came close to the opener. Their luck would run out in the 14th minute as an overlapping run and cheeky shot to the back post from Dante Peralto caught the Charlie Smith defence off guard. Eight minutes later, the lead was doubled as K’Shaine Gordon pounced upon defensive uncertainty from his opponents and slot home from close range.

Defence kept busy

Charlie Smith fared no better in the second half. Their defence line was kept busy while the attackers failed to create any meaningful chances on the Mona goal. The defending champions would eventually give themselves a three-goal cushion early in the second half as Javier Dunn latched onto a mishandled ball from goalkeeper Bogle to tap home.

Butler said the team’s performance exemplified the quality that they have within their ranks.

“This was a good game. The game, for us, was one of quality as our team showed grit. The players played to the system and listened to the instructions. You can see that we have a very deep bench, so we were able to have quality substitutions. We always had quality players and everyone knows that. So, even though we didn’t win (a title) prior to last year, we were still being chased. So I think the quality and resilience of the players really showed,” said Butler.

Eugene Williams, head coach of Charlie Smith, said while he gives full credit to his opponents, he felt his team struggled with the flanks.

“You have to give credit where it’s due. Mona came to play and they played well. I’m disappointed with the two wingbacks because we know how Mona play and we had to counter them in that department. We’re going to bounce back because, in the second round, things will be different. We just have to shrug off this disappointed and bounce back,” said Williams.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com