Kellits brace for Clarendon assault in ISSA/FLOW daCosta Cup

WESTERN BUREAU:

After brushing aside Edwin Allen 6-1 in their opening Group H game of the 2015 ISSA/FLOW daCosta Cup schoolboy football competition on Saturday, defending champions Clarendon College are seeking back-to-back victories when they tackle Kellits High this afternoon at Crofts Hill Community Centre at 3:30 p.m.

Coach Paul 'Tegat' Davis is expecting a tough outing playing away, but is drawing up plans for another three points.

"Each game in this group is like a derby and we will treat it as such. We take no opposition lightly, but we are confident going up against this Kellits team and, hopefully, will leave with all three points," said Davis.

While not exclusively reliant on the form of striker Joel Sterling, who fired a hat-trick against Edwin Allen on Saturday, Davis is hopeful the player does likewise in this game.

Sterling told The Gleaner following Saturday's match that he was already looking forward to the Kellits matchup.

"I feel that there is more to come. We had a good game first time out and coming up against Kellits will not be easy, but we are aware of what our coach requires and are willing to go get it done," Sterling said confidently.

It could be a matter of containment for Kellits, who were trounced 5-0 by Thompson Town on Saturday. However, assistant coach Kerreth Hines said his team will play to their ability.

"We are quite aware that it will be a tough game for us. We lost our first match Saturday because of some issues we needed sorted out regarding our goalkeeper," Hines said.

"Now that we have done so, the most we are looking for is a draw in this game because we know the might of the champions. Nonetheless, we are confident in our own abilities while hoping for the best," added Hines.

Apart from Sterling, the Kellits backline will also have to pay special attention to midfielder Donovan Noble, Seigle Knight, Roger Russell and Romario Squire if they are to avoid another heavy defeat.

In addition to the Clarendon College-Kellits matchup, a further 26 duels are also scheduled. These include Green Island versus Rusea's in a key Group B clash, Herbert Morrison versus Muschett in Group C, Spalding and Christiana over in Group G, and Kemps Hill and Old Harbour lock horns in Group N.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that Anchovy High School, who were slated to play out of Group A, have withdrawn from the competition. No reason was given by school officials, but a source told The Gleaner it would appear the decision was taken in light of the players' academic record.

Today's matches

Group A

Cornwall vs Green Pond

Group B

Green Island vs Rusea's

Frome vs Merlene Ottey

Group C

Herbert Morrison vs Muschett

William Knibb vs Spot Valley

Group D

Manning's vs Little London

Maud McLeod vs Petersfield

Group E

Lacovia vs STETHS

B.B. Coke vs Newell

Maggotty vs Munro

Group F

Manchester vs Belair

DeCarteret vs Mile Gully

Winston Jones vs Cross Keys

Group G

Holmwood vs Alston

Spalding vs Christiana

Knox vs Bellefield

Group H

Kellits vs Clarendon College

Lennon vs Thompson Town

Group K

Tacius Golding vs Charlemont

Bog Walk vs Ewarton

McGrath vs Dinthill

Group L

Port Antonio vs Buff Bay

Happy Grove vs Fair Prospect

Group O

Seaforth vs St Thomas Tech

Robert Lightbourne vs Morant

Bay