Mona too good for STATHS

FOR the second year running, former minnows Mona High will feature in the semifinals of the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup competition following their 2-0 victory over St Andrew Technical (STATHS) inside a noisy Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday. Robino Gordon in the seventh minute and a 21st- minute strike from Denzel McKenzie eliminated last season’s beaten finalists from the competition.

Mona topped Group One with five points, one more than Kingston College. Both teams advanced to the semifinals.

Gordon’s opening strike came after he pounced on a free kick by McKenzie and flicked the ball inside the back post sending the Mona supporters into early celebrations. As the Mona team continued their attacks on the STATHS goal, they got their second in the 21st minute when dangerman McKenzie followed up his earlier assist to net one of his own as he expertly placed his effort inside Jaheem Williams’ goal. A visibly nervous looking STATHS team would concede a penalty on the stroke of half-time but McKenzie was denied by Williams who guessed the correct way and palmed his effort wide.

In the second half, STATHS charged forward in a bid to save their Manning Cup season but captain Richard Livingston’s left-footed strike in the 51st minute only managed to sail high above the Mona goal.

As Mona changed to a more defensive game, STATHS came close to getting their first of the day through a Leon Brown shot in the 61st minute but he was denied by the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Ackeem Bernard. It was the last goalscoring opportunity for the STATHS team.

Craig Butler, the head coach of Mona, said his team played disciplined football to remain unbeaten this season.

“I’m very proud of my team and coaching staff as we did well. We got the two goals that we wanted and we parked the bus towards the end and the boys played disciplined. The game was excellent and remember this Mona team is still unbeaten, still standing and still has pride,” Butler stated.

Phillip Williams, head coach of STATHS, said Mona were simply the better team over the 90 minutes of football.

“I think the goals came from two mistakes but Mona were the better team on the day and we have to give credit to them. We did create chances but we didn’t put any away and against a good team like Mona you have to at least put away one of your chances,” Williams said.

Yesterday’s results:

STATHS 0 Mona 2

St Catherine 2 Kingston College 1

Today’s matches

Hydel vs Tivoli (Spanish Prison Oval) 3 p.m.

Jamaica College vs St George’s College (JC) 3 p.m.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com