Big clashes abound as daCosta gets into business end

Western Bureau:

FOUR MASSIVE clashes headline today’s first round of quarterfinal group matches in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) daCosta Cup football competition, one of which sees last season’s runners-up Manning’s School battle William Knibb Memorial High School at Llandilo Sports Complex in Westmoreland. Kickoff is at 3 p.m.

Everton Tomlinson coach of Manning’s said his side will be bringing their A-game because at this stage of the competition teams are up for it.

“We are expecting a tough fight from William Knibb. I think they are a good team, so yes we respect them, but not enough for them to beat us. We will try to entertain our fans and hopefully at the end, we are victorious,” said Tomlinson, who is not concerned about their opponents’ defensive prowess.

“There will always be teams that defend staunchly, but if you know how to attack and attack with purpose then it would not be that difficult. We are not worried about it, we can break down any team,” he added.

Coach of William Knibb, Dwight Jeremiah, accepts it is a big task going into the beaten finalist’s backyard but outlined that maximum points was still their aim.

“Nothing has changed, we are going there to get maximum points. They are one of three teams this season yet to lose a game this season, so I know their confidence is high. They are playing pretty much at home because they are at a venue where they train and camp. Our aim is to make the game as difficult as possible for them and come away with a favourable result,” Jeremiah said.

In their last game, William Knibb conceded for the first time and in bizarre fashion as they went down 3-0 to Dinthill Tech, but Jeremiah doesn’t believe it will affect them psychologically.

“I don’t think it plays any part ... The fact that we had qualified for the quarterfinal, we focused on that rather than losing a game in the round. What we do is to take the lessons from it to use as a guide for future games,” Jeremiah said.

The other match in the group will see Manchester High face Frome Technical High School at Brooks Park in Manchester. Kickoff is at 3 p.m.

Over in Group B, defending Champions Cup winners Clarendon College take on fellow parish team Central High School at Foga Road High grounds, and defending Ben Francis Knockout Cup champions Edwin Allen High School lock horns with Dinthill Technical High School at Drax Hall in St Ann. Both games kick off at 3 p.m.

The competition format will see two teams advance to the semifinals from two groups of four.

Today’s Games

Manchester vs Frome at Brooks Park

Manning’s vs William Knibb at Llandilo Sports Complex

Dinthill vs Edwin Allen at Drax Hall

Clarendon College vs Central at Foga Road