STATHS drop valuable points

St Andrew Technical High's (STATHS) coach, Philip Williams, slammed his players for their wayward shooting following a 0-0 draw against hosts Papine High in their Group A ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup game yesterday.

The result which left some STATHS players in tears means they are now four points adrift of group leaders St George's College (19 points). But Lawrence thought a combination of good defending from the hosts and poor finishing from his players led to the disappointing draw.

"We controlled the game for long periods. It was just unfortunate that in front of goal where it matters most we weren't clinical. It's a problem which haunted us last season and it has done so again today. We moved the ball around well but Papine played a good, disciplined, defensive game. They did well but it was just unfortunate we could not find that one goal that we needed," he said.

Big blow

Although the draw was a big blow in their race for group honours he is not looking to change anything as the team is very young and can only grow.

"There is no adjustment to make where youth is concern.

This is a very young side, the average age is 16 plus. They have been playing good football, unfortunately today they couldn't finish. Top of the group would have been a bonus but we have been playing catch up since game four, so the important thing is that we stay focused, don't lose and stay as close as possible to the leaders."

The visitors controlled the game but found it difficult to break down an inspired Papine defence. The hosts offered very little going forward but gave STATHS little room to manoeuvre in the final third. Papine's coach, Mark Scotland, said the result was reward for their hard work.

"The result is positive. We played the (St) George's game similarly and today we were fortunate to come out with a point. It means a lot, the team has worked hard all season and today they got somewhat of a reward," he said.

L.S.