Monster clash! - KC, Wolmer’s square off in Manning Cup quarter-final action

A pulsating encounter is expected today when defending champions Kingston College (KC) face rivals Wolmer’s in a top-of-the-table clash in Group G in the quarter-final round of the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup competition at the Stadium East starting at 4:00 p.m.In the second match of the double-header, Camperdown will oppose Charlie Smith at 2:00 p.m.

KC (+5), who, like Wolmer’s (+1), are on three points, boast the better goal difference, with Camperdown and Charlie Smith both yet to register a point.The Ludlow Bernard-coached KC began their campaign in the quarter-finals with an easy 5-0 victory over Charlie Smith last Thursday. The Purples will enter today’s match without the services of defender Calvin Gardner, who picked up a red card in their last match against Charlie Smith, while Michael Allen and Gavin Burton have been ruled out for various reasons.

Optimistic

However, KC’s assistant coach, Raymond Watson, is optimistic that his team can secure all three points despite the absence of these players. “We are quietly confident because we are definitely expected to win the game and if we can’t win the game, then we will settle for a point,” said Watson. “We are not going to take anything for granted because going into this match, we are probably the only team that doesn’t have our full complement of players,” he added.

“We are at a disadvantage when it comes to the availability of players, and so we just have to go into game and work hard from the first whistle until the end of the match,” Watson said. The North Street-based KC will be depending heavily on striker Dwayne Atkinson, who has scored 16 goals this season along with Ronaldo Robinson, and Jamari Morrison to lead their charge to victory. They are expected to receive support from Sa-jar Blair, Rajiv Gavin, and Khalifah Richards.

On the other hand, Wolmer’s will enter today’s contest high on confidence after defeating Camperdown 3-2 in their opening contest.The Alex Thomas-coach Wolmer’s will rest their hopes in the hands of Rivaldo Mitchell, Shamar McClean, Ronaldo Webster and Orlando Russell to lead them to victory.