William Knibb, Cedric Titus in 0-0 stalemate

Western Bureau:

High-flying William Knibb Memorial High School and Cedric Titus High School played to a 0-0 stalemate in their Zone C ISSA/Digicel daCosta Cup top-of-the-table clash at the Cedric Titus playing field yesterday.

William Knibb got a chance to take the early lead when their striker Mark Lewis lobbed the Cedric Titus goalkeeper but saw the ball going just wide.

Cedric Titus found themselves in a spot of bother in the 38th minute after their goalkeeper Jah Marie Forrester picked up an injury and was substituted.

The visitors then got a another glorious chance to take the lead on the stroke of halftime but Theonjae Bennett put his shot over the crossbar from inside the six-yard after Mark Lewis’ shot was saved by the Cedric Titus goalkeeper.

William Knibb then thought they had won it on the last kick of the game when central defender Tajay Cooper tapped in after a block by the goalkeeper but he was ruled offside.

Dwight Jeremiah, coach of William Knibb, said while disappointed in not getting the win he is confident going into their home leg on Wednesday.

“It was a game with a lot of intensity but low quality and I think a lot of it had to do with the surface. However, when we adjusted we had a few chances and should have been up early in the game. Their goalkeeper saw a lot of action while our keeper didn’t have to make a save,” Jeremiah said. “At the end of the game, we saw Cedric Titus celebrating the draw which simply means they hold us in high regard.”

William Knibb remain one of only two schools in the daCosta Cup yet to concede a goal but Jeremiah bemoans the points dropped.

“I saw where their assistant coach said it’s not hard to keep a clean sheet in this zone. However, he met one of the best defences today because they couldn’t penetrate it. I am quite comfortable going back home,” Jeremiah said.

“It’s a blow for me as far as ranking points are concerned because today we needed the win to stay in seventh which is the highest we could go. Topping the zone is important so we will be looking to get back to winning ways at home on Wednesday,” he added.

Derrick Pryce, who rated his team’s performance at a seven out of 10, said they are looking to correct a few things for the quick turnaround game on Wednesday.

“We had players that stepped up and some making a few mistakes but all in all, it was OK,” said Pryce, whose team did not have a shot on target.

The result saw both teams remain level on 16 points which is eight clear of Herbert Morrison Technical in third.