Manning’s, Manchester clash to decide Group A winners

Western Bureau

DaCosta Cup quarterfinal Group A leaders and semi-final qualifiers, Manning’s School and Manchester High School, clash this afternoon to decide the winners of the group, and the coaches of both schools have promised an exciting contest. Kick-off is set for 1 p.m. at the St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex in Santa Cruz.

Both teams have maximum six points from two games, and today’s match is their third and final of the quarterfinal group stage.

The winners of what will be the first game of a doubleheader will be drawn to play the second-place team in Group B.

Everton Tomlinson, the coach of last year’s beaten finalists Manning’s, said they aim to go undefeated through the entire competition so they will not be taking this game for granted.

“We are undefeated and would like to maintain that all the way to the final. Winning the group is important to us,” Tomlinson said.

“We will play a hard game. You can expect the same high quality of football because we want to keep our momentum,” he added.

After qualifying for the semi-finals for the first time in seven years, Manchester High’s coach Johnoy Chambers says he wants to make winning a habit for his boys as they look to go all the way this season.

“Getting a win is very important. We want to put out a statement. Also, it’s good for the players’ confidence. They say winning is a habit, and we want to keep it that way. We wouldn’t want to go into the semi-finals coming off a loss. We are thinking about positive energy. We want to make it three wins from three matches,” Chambers said.

“Naturally, we will see a high level of competition and quality. I have watched the Manning’s team and I know my team, so if the weather permits it, you can expect a beautiful game,” he added.

Last Saturday, in the Manning Cup, Kingston College and Mona High, who had already qualified for the semi-finals, produced one of the most exciting games in schoolboy football this season, and both Tomlinson and Chambers are promising the same level of intensity and quality in today’s clash.

In the late kickoff at 3:15 p.m., last season’s beaten semi-finalists Clarendon College and Dinthill Technical will be in action. Clarendon, with six points from two wins at the quarterfinal stage, only need to avoid defeat to reach the semi-finals while Dinthill (three points) must win to have a chance of advancing ahead of Edwin Allen High (three points) who will face Central High (zero) at Foga Road High.

Today’s games

Manning’s vs Manchester at STETHS - 1 p.m.

Clarendon vs Dinthill at STETHS - 3:15 p.m.

William Knibb vs Frome at Jarrett Park - 1 p.m.

Edwin Allen vs Central High at Foga Road High - 3:15 p.m.