KC, Mona in dominant displays
Defending champions Kingston College (KC) and Mona recorded impressive victories in their opening round match in the quarter-final matches of the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup on Saturday.
KC, led by a brace from Nashordo Gibbs, thrashed their North Street rivals St George’s College 4-1 at the Stadium East field.
Gibbs was on target in the 13th and 18th minutes, while Teyshawn Mattis in the 48th and Dujuan “Whisper” Richards in the 58th were the other scorers for KC.
Richards goal on Saturday was his 20th of the season, one more than Mona’s Donhue Mitchell in the race for the leading scorer award.
Raymond Watson, coach of KC, said he was very happy with the team’s performance.
“I think we played well because we were clearly the better team in all departments of the game and so I am really proud of my team,” he said.
“It was a great way to start the zone because every game in the round is like a final for us and we are so happy for the three points,” Watson added.
In the second match of the double-header, Mona outclassed Charlie Smith 4-0. Romarion Thomas (35th), Sean Leighton (44th), Kshaine Gordon (57th) and Zhaine Pinnock (67th) were the scorers for Mona.
Craig Butler, coach of Mona, said he was happy for victory.
“I am very grateful to my coaching staff and I am very grateful to the boys and the administration of Mona because this was a collective effort from everyone,” said Butler.
“Top of the group with KC is fine, but like I have said, I am not keen on whether or not we win Manning Cup or whether we do well or not, but what I want to see is that all the boys who play and represent their schools get a chance through football as a vehicle,” he said.
In other games, Jamaica College whipped Wolmer’s 4-1 at the Richard Ashenheim Stadium. In the second match, St Andrew Technical and Haile Selassie played out an exciting 3-2 fixture.
Saturday’s results
Kingston College 4, St George’s College 1
Mona 4, Charlie Smith 0
Jamaica College 4, Wolmer’s 1
STATHS 3, Haile Selassie 2