STGC thrashing of Waterford pleases Burkett
The beating of Waterford High 3-0 on their home patch at Winchester Park was not only sweet revenge for St George’s College (STGC) after they were downed 3-2 in the first match a few weeks ago, but it also signalled an upward movement in the table in Group A of the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup competition.
STGC began Tuesday in third place in the group on nine points, one spot and one point behind Waterford High. After the home win, STGC are now up to 12 points and second place, trailing only group leaders Kingston College who are unbeaten after five matches with 15 points.
After being stunned by Waterford in the away game, a response was expected from STGC and that is what they delivered on the pristine pitch at Winchester Park.
It took until the second half for the Knights to get up to speed with their renowned passing game, but when they did, it was quickly lights out for the visitors.
Tae-Sean Oneil was the first to breach the stout Waterford defence in the 57th minute, before Brain Burkett got the second in the 68th minute.
Conceding two goals in just 11 minutes left the Waterford defence in disarray and a third was always on the cards. It was delivered by Adrian Reid Jr in the 84th minute to cap a fine display by the Neville Bell-coached team.
Burkett was all smiles at the final whistle and deemed it a good performance from his team.
“We went out there and followed the coach’s instructions and just executed,” he said.
The four-year Manning Cup veteran says that his own performance was in keeping with the standard and targets that he has set for himself this season.
“It’s very pleasing because I have an aim and I go out there every game to dominate and compete and put my name on the score sheet.”
It was the eighth goal in five games for the silky midfielder who says that STGC must keep on improving as the season progresses.
“We just have to keep working, keep improving on our weaknesses, and just focus on every other game one step at a time.”
Despite going goalless in the first half, Burkett said that they were not worried about getting the desired result.
“We knew that we could do it and we went out there with confidence,” he said.
The half-time team talk also helped to settle the nerves of the players as they went in pursuit of their fourth win of the campaign.
“Coach said that we should be patient and just maintain our composure,” Burkett said. “Just continue playing good football and eventually we would score.”
STGC will next play Meadowbrook High at Winchester Park tomorrow at 3:30 pm.