Hydel recorded a stunning 1-0 victory over hosts and defending champions Jamaica College (JC) in their opening quarter-final round match of the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup at the Richard Ashenheim Stadium on Saturday.

Ronaldo Barrett netted the all-important goal for Hydel in the 88th minute to give the Ferry-based institution the narrow victory.

Devon Anderson, head coach of Hydel, was very delighted with his team’s performance.

“This victory was always coming for us and I strongly believe that we would have achieved it this year,” said Anderson. “It was a hard-fought game between both teams and tactically we maintained our discipline, and in the end we came out on top, and I am very happy for that,” he added.

JC Coach Davion Ferguson said his team created the “better chances”, but they failed to put them away.

“We created the better chances in the match, more than what Hydel did, but in the end we had a lapse in the last five minutes of the game, and against Hydel, with those quality players in their ranks, you cannot have those lapses,” said Ferguson.

JC, who are seeking their 32nd hold on the trophy, were favourites heading into the match and their history of success and strong roster have made them the team to beat in the competition. On the other hand, Hydel were seen as the underdogs, but they came onto the field with an unwavering belief in their abilities.

From the first whistle, the game was marked by fast-paced action as both teams showcased their attacking prowess, especially with JC applying relentless pressure on the Hydel defence.

However, Hydel had other plans. The underdogs displayed remarkable defensive resilience, making crucial clearances and challenging every JC attack. With each passing minute, their confidence grew, and they began to create opportunities of their own.

As the match neared its conclusion, a sense of anticipation filled the air, and true to form, it was Hydel who would break the deadlock in the 88th minute from a brilliantly executed counter-attack, which saw Hydel’s Barrett bursting through the JC defence. With an expertly placed shot, he sent the ball soaring into the net, leaving the champions stunned and the Hydel faithful in jubilation.

In the opening match of the double-header, former champions Kingston College (KC) and Mona played out an exciting 1-1 draw.

Kshaine Gordon opened the scoring for Mona in the fourth minute, while Demario Dailey netted the equaliser for KC in the 77th minute. However, Mona missed an opportunity to secure the win when Robino Gordon missed a penalty in the 55th minute.

Craig Butler, Mona’s coach, expressed disappointment with his team’s performance. “I think if we don’t put away our chances, you can’t win,” Butler noted.

On the other hand, KC’s Head Coach Vassell Reynolds was content with the result. “I believe it was a fair result for us,” he said.