KC inch closer to semis

FAVOURITES KINGSTON College (KC) took a giant step towards securing their spot in the semi-finals of the ISSA/Manning Cup competition after a 3-0 victory over Kingston Technical High School (KTHS) Stadium East playing field in Group Two yesterday.

KC, who are unbeaten this season, were led to victory courtesy of a brace from Christopher Pearson in the 86th and 90th minutes. Jemone Barclay netted the opening goal of the match for KC in the 17th minute.

The Purples, who last won the title in 2018, lead the group on six points, with one round of matches remaining. They are followed by Charlie Smith and Excelsior high schools, who are both locked on three points. Kingston Technical High School (KTHS) are yet to get off the mark.

It was a bitter-sweet victory for KC, as their winger, Ron-Jay Watson, was substituted in the 14th minute and rushed to hospital with a fractured collar bone, this after he fell awkwardly under a challenge.

Ludlow Bernard, coach of the KC, said he was happy for the victory, but was not satisfied with the overall performance of his team.

“I probably would have wanted us to execute a lot better,” said Bernard. “But we went up against a very spirited Kingston Technical team, and I thought that we fell prey to them on a couple of occasions.”

“I think our standard of play was subpar, and it is always a challenge to get consistency in the games, but the important thing is that we did not concede, and we scored three goals,” he said.

POWERFUL SHOT

KC dominated the early proceedings and were finally rewarded when Barclay volleyed home a powerful right-footed shot past KTHS’ custodian, Kerron Grant. However, KTHS created a number of clear-cut opportunities in the remainder of the first half, but poor finishing from their attackers let them down.

KC returned to wrap up the match late in the second half with two goals from Pearson in five minutes.

In the second match of the double-header, Charlie Smith registered a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Excelsior High.

Tyreek Crossman, in the 31st minute, and Andre Gibbs, in the 75th, were the goalscorers for Charlie Smith. Javaughnie Simms scored for Excelsior in the 20th minute.

Eugene Williams, coach of Charlie Smith, said he was delighted with his team’s performance and they were now looking forward to Saturday’s encounter against KTHS.

“It was a very good effort from my team. This is what we have been asking from them all season,” said Williams. “This victory has given us a lot of confidence, but we are not going to take Kingston Technical lightly on Saturday because we know that it is a must-win game for us,” he said.

Xavier Gilbert, coach of Excelsior High, said he was very disappointed with his team’s efforts.

“It is going to be difficult against KC. I think we shot ourselves in the foot because we did not manage the game properly,” said Gilbert. “I think that we got a little too comfortable and ended up chasing the game.”

Charlie Smith will now oppose KTHS in their final game, while Excelsior High will oppose KC.