STATHS edge Haile Selassie to extend unbeaten run

ST ANDREW Technical High School (STATHS) kept their unbeaten run in the ISSA Manning Cup intact, clipping Haile Selassie 1-0 away to their opponents yesterday.

The scoreline did not reflect the commanding display of attack and defence the Phillip Williams-coached team put on en route to their fourth victory in five games. They scored the lone goal of the game in the sixth minute when Dwayne Atkinson played a defence-splitting pass that was capped off by a well-placed shot from Kevin Hall.

STATHS continued to attack, and a glorious opportunity would present itself for Taraine Hall in the 25th minute but his left-footed effort trickled wide of the Haile Selassie net.

On the cusp of the half-time interval, the energetic Atkinson was again in the thick of things but failed to convert from close range, his snapshot whistling over the bar, much to the delight of the Haile Selassie faithful.

The second half wasn’t dissimilar to the first, with any meaningful Haile Selassie attack met with resolute defending.

As STATHS went in search of a second goal, Taraine Hall managed to sneak between two defenders but couldn’t give his team the insurance.

With the last kick of the ball, Haile Selassie, who were, for the most part, kept at arm’s length, finally got a glimpse through Joshua Dewar, who hammered his shot over the bar from just outside the 18-yard box.

Williams was pleased with the way his charges performed in what is generally a difficult environment to go to.

“The environment coming to Haile Selassie to play, inclusive of the supporters, is usually tough and I think the youngsters did well to stand up to the intimidation and gave a good account of themselves. I was very pleased, as we pride ourselves on our defensive solidity, and our defensive unit stood out for us on the day. We aren’t scoring many, but we aren’t giving up any. It’s going to be a tough zone and we know it’ll be a dog fight in all the games. We came here with that in mind and the youngsters did well.”

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com

Yesterday’s Results

Haile Selassie 0-1 STATHS

Vauxhall 1-1 Camperdown

Bridgeport 0-9 JC

Pembroke Hall 0-11 Excelsior

Campion 2-0 Penwood

Meadowbrook 0-7 KC

Jose Martí 2-1 Cumberland