Fuelled by their determination and the strong support of the school community, Penwood High School Head Coach Robert Garwood says they have set their sights on securing a spot in the semi-finals of the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup competition this season.

Penwood, who have never been that far, is joint first in Group C with former champions Kingston College (KC), both with 10 points each. However, KC holds a superior goal difference of 11 over their opponents.

Penwood, one of the surprise teams of the competition, secured their third win this season with a 1-0 victory over Jose Marti at the Maverley field on Saturday. Jordan Phillips netted the lone goal for Penwood in the 35th minute.

Garwood says his players have been putting in hard work during practice and are dedicated. He said that with the renewed support from all, they can achieve great things this year.

“The strong belief in these boys has been the driving force behind the success of this team so far this year,” he said. “More people are believing in them, and they are coming on board to support the team.

“We have a physio, and our assistant coach who is doing a lot of work to ensure the boys attend their classes and are registered for the competition.

“Our aim is to reach the top four, and the boys believe that they can achieve it. I am backing them to do it. We have never gone that far in the competition, but I know that these boys have what it takes to get there this season.”

Garwood says his players have been receiving substantial support from their teachers at school, which has helped them stay focused on their studies while following the coaching staff’s instructions.

“The teachers are supporting the boys, and whenever we train in the evenings, the training ground is full,” he said. “We, as the coaching staff, are putting in the work, and the boys are also doing their part.”

Garwood says they were humiliated by KC and Hydel last season but got redemption when they drew 2-2 with KC in their opening match earlier this month.

“Last year, we lost 14-0 to Kingston College and 10-0 to Hydel, but after those beatings, we sat down and said that this year we are going to return with a vengeance,” he said. “We have the same team from last year, and I know we could have beaten Kingston College in our opening game. It ended in a 2-2 draw, and we should have won, but they scored in the dying moments of the match.”

Meanwhile, Jose Marti, suffering their second defeat of the season, sit fourth in the group with four points, while Campion College is third with seven points. Meadowbrook and Cumberland remain at zero points.

Yesterday’s results

Charlie Smith 0, Mona 3

Waterford 9, Gaynstead 0

Jonathan Grant 1, Tarrant 0

Campion College 0, KC 5

St Catherine High 0, St George’s College 0