1 month ago
16
ST GEORGE’S College (STGC) were in cruise control in the opening game of the Inter-Seconday Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Manning Cup yesterday, clipping Holy Trinity High School 2-0 at Winchester Park.
Goals by Matthew Spence and Payton Larmond proved the difference between the two as STGC controlled much of the proceedings throughout.
STGC assistant coach, Marcel Gayle, said while he believed the team could have been more assertive on the ball, the result marked a positive start to the campaign and believes the team will improve as the season goes along.
“Kudos to the guys, I thought they played well, but I thought we could have been a little more assertive today in the final third. We created a lot of opportunities and the opponents sat deep and tried to force us to go long with the ball,” said Gayle.
“We could have been a little more patient today but nevertheless, it is a start in the first round and the objective was met with three points and the clean sheet.”
STGC opened the scoring in the opening 10 minutes of the game, Spence showing composure in front of goal for his first of the season.
STGC would attempt to press their advantage but found their efforts stymied by a disciplined Holy Trinity backline.
But just after the hour mark, Spence’s mistimed control in the box fell to Larmond, who made no mistake, going across the keeper with his half-volley.
Impressed with discipline
Head coach of Holy Trinity Delano Campbell applauded his team’s effort, explaining that several of his players are eligible to play in the U16 competition, so he was impressed with their defensive discipline against a strong STGC outfit.
“There is a lot of positives as 90 per cent of our team are registered Colts players. We would have started this programme from last year and coming here against semifinalists like St George’s at home, tactically the boys were really disciplined.
“Yeah, we lost the game and that’s something we have to accept, but it is the first game of the season so we’re looking to build again next time.”
In other games in the Manning Cup on the day, Hydel High and Jamaica College (JC) recorded identical 9-0 wins.
Hydel dismissed Ardenne High to take early supremacy in Zone A, while a Giovanni Taylor hat trick led the way in JC’s drubbing of Pembroke Hall High.
Eltham slammed Clan Carthy High 5-0 to open their season with a win while the fixture between Norman Manley High and St Catherine High was called off due to an unprepared field.
The game was counted as Norman Manley’s forfeit and St Catherine were awarded an automatic 3-0 victory.
Yesterday’s Results
Pembroke Hall 0-9 JC
Asctt 1-0 Bridgeport
Manley 0-3 St Catherine
STGC 2-0 Holy Trinity
Hydel 9-0 Ardenne
Clan Carthy 0-5 Eltham
Yesterday’s Results
English (US) ·