Norman Manley High School's victorious Manning Cup football team celebrates with the trophy after defeating Wolmer's Boys 4-3 on penalties in the final at the Harbour View mini-stadium yesterday. The team dedicated the victory to slain goalkeeper, Oshane Dempster.

Norman Manley High School scored a breathtaking 4-3 sudden-death penalty shoot-out win over Wolmer's Boys' in the final of the Pepsi/Sports Plus-sponsored Manning Cup football competition at the Harbour View mini-stadium yesterday.

The Maxfield Park boys, who were copping their third title, triumphed on the dreaded spot-kicks after both teams had played to a 0-0 draw at the end of regulation and extra-time.
"A very good, hard-fought victory," said an elated, Alrick Clarke, coach of Norman Manley. "The boys showed grit and determination and really played like champions.
"We wanted to win the game during regular play, but we just didn't make use of our chances, but to win on penalties is still great," said Clarke, adding that it was "the most important win in my career".

Norman Manley were capturing their second Manning Cup title in three years.
After a ding-dong battle during regular play in which both teams came close to taking the lead, it was left up to who kept their nerves best in the shoot-out.
Both teams missed their first two kicks, but were to score their last three, thus sending the contest into sudden-death.
Richard Kentish was Wolmer's first shooter during this period, but could only watch as goalkeeper, Jermaine Campbell, diving full-stretch to his right, denied him.

This left captain, Ryan Douglas, with the all important shot and with a little aid from the post, he sent his team and supporters into ecstacy.
"Going up to take the kick, I was thinking about (slain goalkeeper) Oshane Dempster, as we wanted to give a 100 per cent for him," said Douglas, who did a sterling job in defence keeping the Wolmer's attackers at bay.
"He was a major part our team and we miss him a lot, so to win it for him is like dream come true," he added.

Norman Manley High School's victorious Manning Cup football team celebrates with the trophy after defeating Wolmer's Boys 4-3 on penalties in the final at the Harbour View mini-stadium yesterday. The team dedicated the victory to slain goalkeeper, Oshane Dempster. Report on Page 54. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

For Wolmer's coach, Michael Francis, whose feared attack for once failed to spark, the result was disappointing.
"It was all down to the players and that's exactly what decided the game this afternoon. They scored their penalties, we missed . but that's how it goes," he said.
"To reach the Manning Cup was a good feeling; going out this way is not a good feeling, but nevertheless we have to have a winner and it had to be decided from the spot, it's just one of those things," Francis said.
Francis' trump card player, Luton Shelton, was injured early in the game and it was evident this had an impact on Wolmer's performance.
"There were some injuries in the camp and Luton (Shelton) got an early injury in the game and that kind of set us back. But in the second half we tried, it's just unfortunate we could not make use of the chances we created," said Francis.

After a jittery first half where they were lucky not to fall behind by at least two goals, Wolmer's were unable to create goal-scoring opportunities. Their offence lacked fire-power, which was made even more evident against the best defensive team in the competition.
This provided Norman Manley with a number of counter-attacking opportunities; but they too lacked creativity.
It was similar scenario for the teams in extra time, as neither really threatened; Norman Manley went closer to scoring.

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