KINGSTON, Jamaica – Reigning ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup champions Kingston College (KC) had to overcome a slow start against Charlie Smith High before they eventually eased to a 5-0 win in their quarterfinal game on Wednesday.

The champions found the going tough on a scorching afternoon and struggled to get their passing game together as the Eugene Williams-coached team made it difficult for them.

However, late in the first half KC made the breakthrough when Dujuan Richards provided the assist for Teyshawn Mattis to get the first of his two goals.

The second half began a lot faster for KC as two quick-fire goals saw them surge to a three-goal lead and effectively end the game as a contest with more than half hour left to play.

KC’s assistant coach Jermaine Miller acknowledged that his team found the going difficult in the first half.

“Charlie Smith is a tough team to play against on any day. They are a fighting team, and they came out and gave us some trouble. It took us some time to really adjust to the pace of the game. I think the heat played a major role in that also,” he said.

He said that the half time team talk proved to be the turning point in the game.

“As soon as we adjusted the game was basically over,” he said.

KC has scored two goals right after the break on at least four occasions so far this season and Miller credited that to tactics and aggression.

“After we analyze the first half of the game when we go into the changing room, we basically just make the necessary adjustments and normally we come out very, very hard and aggressive trying to get early goals.”

Mattis, the two-goal hero for KC has improved in front of goal since the end of the first round of the competition, scoring four goals in the last four games and Miller is not surprised that he is now flourishing.

“This is football and sometimes I think Teyshawn has this eagerness to prove himself to everyone that he has the quality to do well. It has been a slow start for him, and you can see him coming into his own.”

KC have booked their spot in the semi-final with a game to spare, but Miller says that they will not be resting on their laurels when they meet Mona High in the group decider.

“We want to win every game and so we will come out and produce our best performance as we always want to do regardless of the (opponent), that is our objective, to win,” he stated.

The match-up between Kingston College and Mona High, who are already both in the semis, has been highly anticipated and a large turnout is expected at the Stadium East Field tomorrow for the 3:00pm start.