Defending champs bounce back, Waterford in trouble

AFTER A humbling 4-2 defeat at the hands of their North Street rivals, St George’s College, the Raymond Watson-coached Kingston College (KC) got back to winning ways, registering a workmanlike 2-0 victory over Waterford in their Group ‘A’ ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup encounter at the Waterford playfield.

Watson believed it was crucial for his charges to have got their mojo back.

“I was confident we would have rebounded. Against St George’s, unfortunately, we lost, but such is life. Maybe it was good that we had a bump in the road, but we definitely expected the three points here today,” said Watson

Group A leaders, KC, who had the lion’s share of possession, took the lead in the 32nd minute. After some sustained pressure, KC goalgetter Nashardo Gibbs took his chance with a neat chip over goalkeeper Alphonso Salmon.

KC, who have already booked their ticket to the second round, made it 2-0 in the 72nd minute, with Gibbs’ powerful shot sealing the teenager’s brace.

Watson spoke about consistency after the game, saying the goal of the Manning Cup title has to be maintained.

“It’s very important. Words can’t say how important it is for us to remain consistent. We also want to top the Zone and be in the Champions Cup as well, so we will have to stay grounded and focused on the next game and, hopefully, another three points,” he added.

With the defeat, Waterford, who have 12 points from nine games, have an anxious wait to see if they can progress through to the second round as one of the four best third-placed teams.

St Jago, third in Group B, already have 15 points, as much as Waterford can get. Tivoli, third in Group C, have 10, Norman Manley are third with 16 points in Group D, Hydel have 14 from Group E, and Jose Marti have 12 from Group F. All teams outside of Tivoli, who have two games to play, have their final set of fixtures to come.

Head coach of Waterford, Kevin Reid, despite the tight situation he finds himself in, is emphasising patience with a group that has very little Manning Cup experience.

“I’m not disappointed with this result. We played an excellent team in Kingston College, and so we have nothing to be ashamed of. We are a young team. These guys are inexperienced, so we are taking our time.

“The window now gets small for us, and now it’s a mathematical chance. We just have to see how the other games go and then we take it from there come Saturday,” said Reid.

On Saturday, Waterford go to Ardenne for their final game.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com

Today’s Results

Ardenne 3-0 Meadowbrook

Calabar 0-4 St George’s College

Waterford 0-2 Kingston College