Clarendon, Edwin Allen in big daCosta clash

Western Bureau:

A big north Clarendon derby between reigning Champions Cup winners Clarendon College and Ben Francis KO Cup champions Edwin Allen High School at Brooks Park headlines today’s ISSA/Digicel daCosta Cup football competition, quarterfinal group matches.

Both teams are coming into the game on the back of 1-0 wins in midweek. They are no strangers to each other. The schools were drawn in the same first-round group. They played twice in the group with Clarendon College winning the first encounter 2-1 and the second ended in a 1-1 draw.

Coach Tafari Burton of Edwin Allen said they are looking to take the euphoria of Wednesday’s win over Dinthill Technical High into another big clash against an opponent they know well.

“Clarendon College are always tough opponents. We know them well coming from the same first-round group. We’ve played twice this season, so I think both coaches know a lot about each other. We are going to take the challenge as it comes and bring what we can to the table,” Burton said.

Team manager of Clarendon College, Richard Palmer, said they are looking forward to the clash that will have on display the quality of football in north Clarendon.

“The team is always in high spirits and wants to play. They are excited about every game because in order to win the title we have to win these games,” Palmer said.

“Edwin Allen are a very good team, one we respect as they are the Ben Francis Cup champions. It’s a good look for north Clarendon. It is good to see that two teams from the same first-round group are meeting out at the top eight stage. Something good is happening in our neck of the woods,” he added.

Other games today

Central vs Dinthill at Foga Road High playground

William Knibb vs Manchester at STETHS Sports Complex

Manning’s vs Frome at Llandilo Sports Complex

All games kick off at 3 p.m.