Denham Town clip Norman Manley

New-look Denham Town High, one of last season's semi-finalists, edged Norman Manley High 1-0 in their opening game of this year's ISSA-FLOW Manning Cup at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex in Tivoli Gardens yesterday.

The win came courtesy of a 67th-minute strike from Kevon Smile, who struck a firm and low finish to the left of Norman Manley's goalkeeper, Khari Campbell.

Smile received a delightful ball to the left of goal, found space and hit a fierce shot, which Campbell got both hands to, but could only parry into his own net.

"It feels great to score in my first year of Manning Cup. I am a right-footed player, but struck it hard with my left foot so I was happy, to celebrate the win with my teammates and fans," said the goalscorer.

The Denham Town team had more possession than their visitors, but could not find the target due to goalkeeper Campbell's agility and quickness off his line to intercept through balls and passes played over the defence.

Denham Town's coach, Omar Edwards, said he was happy with the performance of his charges.

"We have retained 40 per cent of the team and I think it is a fairly good performance. The result is not a true reflection of the run of play, but it's the first game, and I know my guys will improve," Edwards told The Sunday Gleaner.

Meanwhile, Norman Manley's coach, Paul Edwards, bemoaned not having his strongest starting 11, due to "registration issues", but notes that they will improve in their next game at home on Tuesday.

Yesterday's Results

- Jamaica College 2 STATHS 0

- Denham Town 1 Norman Manley 0

- Ascot 1 Papine 0

- Jonathan Grant 5 Ardenne 0

- St Catherine 1 Meadowbrook 0

- Jose Marti 0 Camperdown 1

- Edith Dalton 0 Wolmer's Boys 6

- Campion College 0 St Jago 3

- Calabar 0 Bridgeport 1