JC book spot in semis - Defending champions clip St Jago, while Hydel fail to advance

Forward Duhaney Williams' lone strike in the 14th minute secured an outright win for reigning ISSA-Flow Manning Cup champions Jamaica College over St Jago High, while at the same time, securing the holders' comfortable passage to yet another semi-finals.

The 'Dark Blues' pretty much went untested in Group I action which saw them spank second place team Denham 6-0 in their opening game, overcome Hydel High 3-1 and down bottom placed St Jago 1-0, yesterday.

Ironically it will be goal-scorer Williams' first Manning Cup semi-finals. He formerly played for Manchester High in the rural-area daCosta Cup competition.

"I feel very good helping the team reach another semi-final. I am really excited and looking to help the team go all the way," he told The Gleaner after scoring what was his 10th goal this season.

"I am confident we can win another championship, and I will be going out there, and hoping to make a difference and do my best every game, and help get the win," he underlined.

CLINICAL FINISHING

The game was played on a slippery and watery Constant Spring Complex surface in St Andrew, which made ball control almost impossible.

The poor underfoot conditions clearly had an effect on the team and in truth JC could have swamped St Jago by a bigger score, but the conditions certainly did not encourage clinical finishing.

Nonetheless, goal-keeper Akeem Chambers was the Monk Street-based school's best player and was kept busy throughout the contest, commanding his area to make several telling interceptions and blocks to keep his team interested.

JC's assistant trainer Donald Stewart said he was happy with the win, and his team's progress.

"I am confident that we can retain the Manning Cup. We don't wear confidence; we go out there and display it," Stewart reasoned.

Meanwhile, at Prison Oval in Spanish Town, in the other 3 p.m. game, Denham Town clipped Hydel 3-2.

Denham Town's scorers were; Jermaine Lyons in the 10th, Rojaun Bennett 65th, with Lloyd Carter rounding out the scoring with an 86 minute strike.

Hydel suffered their second loss of the campaign, with Brad Tully (43) and Nicholas Nelson (87), getting their goals.

YESTERDAY'S RESULTS:

Jamaica College 1 St Jago

Denham Town High 3 St Jago 2

TODAY'S GAMES:

Excelsior High vs Holy Trinity 1:00 p.mn. @ Constant Spring

Jonathan Grant vs Camperdown 1:00 p.m. @Prison Oval

St George's College vs St Catherine 3:00 p.m. @ Prison Oval

Wolmer's Boys vs Haile Selassie 3:00 p.m.