TEN-MAN St George’s College (STGC) captured the coveted ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel Manning Cup title, beating Charlie Smith High 3-1 in an intense match-up at the National Stadium Saturday evening.

The win was STGC’s third Manning Cup title in the past four years.

Viewing the intensity of the game, STGC looked dangerous, sharp and showed serious signs of grabbing the first goal.

In the ninth minute, the ever busy Kendon Anderson chipped a cheeky shot towards goal, forcing Sulane Powell to parry, just in time for the hard-running Davion Kelly to slam home the first goal of the game, and his ninth of the season from an acute angle.

However, Charlie Smith gradually came into their own, creating excellent chances stemming from eye-catching build-ups, which were hampered by dismal finishing. On the stroke of half-time, STGC suffered greatly, with the ejection of National U-17 player Romario Jones, for his second bookable offence.

The resumption of the second-half saw Charlie Smith looking tremendously defiant in their quest of securing an equaliser from Michaelous Martin when he headed excellently from point-blank rage. After the goal, the men from Arnett Gardens grew in confidence, looking rampant at times, controlling the central area, having STGC defending for their destiny.

In the 68th-minute, Kelly scored his second of the day, leaving Charlie Smith defenders castigating among themselves. In fact, Charlie’s defenders will have themselves to blame again after the burly Anderson stole possession of the ball, dribbled unperturbed, while sealing the winner for his North Street base team. Charlie Smith players stood in awe.

“Sometimes you just have to play tough because it is not always going to be smooth and we played really tough today. I am proud of the team and I am happy for them, thank God, Neville ‘Bertis’ Bell, coach of St George’s College, assured with a proud smile.

— Dwayne Williams