Anderson hails Barton after St James heriocs

Garfield Anderson, coach of St James High School, applauded the character showed by his most senior player Ewan Barton, whose late equaliser earned them a 1-1 draw with Paul Bogle High School in their ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup encounter at Jarrett Park yesterday.

The result was one of several, that caught the eye in yesterday's round of matches, which saw defending champions Rusea's falling 2-1 to Mile Gully at the Mile Gully Community Centre. Meanwhile, Dinthill were the day's biggest winners with a 6-0 drubbing playing away to Herbert Morrison, while Clarendon College revved up their title challenge with a 5-0 win over hosts Green Island.

At Jarrett Park, Barton headed home the equaliser three minutes after Akeme Mattis gave the visitors the lead in the 83rd minute.

"It was very crucial. That's the kind of inspiration that we expect from a player with the calibre and talent that Barton possesses. He is always fighting hard for his team. We moved him up into the final third, he delivered for us and that was just a great moment," said Anderson.

"This is a young team, I've been saying that all season. Today I'm proud of them, they showed character, resilience and determination in a crucial moment and crucial game," he added.

GREAT LEADERSHIP QUALITIES

Anderson said despite the qualities, Barton has displayed so far which would suggest he should be their go-to man, he will not be putting any added pressure on him going into Saturday's return leg and is just looking for the team to step up.

"He has been showing great leadership qualities all season and that is expected. However, this is a team and the team effort is always first and foremost. We don't rely on any one player because at the end of the day, everyone's contribution is more than valuable. Once we are cohesive and play as a unit on any given day, one can rise to the occasion and deliver," said Anderson.

Anderson is aware of the fact that only getting a draw while conceding at home will make things tough for them to turn things around on the road come Saturday. He, however, said they are determined to get to the next round.

"It will be a very good game for us, it might be Paul Bogle's home ground, but we intend to work hard and play for the result that we will need to advance to the round of 16. Our only intention is to go there and win so we will use the next 48 hours to prepare well," said Anderson.

Yesterday's ISSA/WATA

daCosta Cup Results:

Herbert Morrison 0 - 6 Dinthill

Spalding 0 - 3 Manchester

Oracabessa 0 - 2 Port Antonio

Old Harbour 2 - 0 St Mary High

Mile Gully 2 - 1 Rusea's

Green Island 0 - 5 Clarendon College

Vere Tech 0 - 2 STETHS

Seaforth 0 - 1 Garvey Maceo

Titchfield 1 - 3 Cornwall College

Maggotty 0 - 0 Cedric Titus

Little London 1 - 1 Lennon

St. Mary Tech 1 - 1 Glenmuir

Christiana 2 - 1 Frome

Browns Town 2 - 1 Charlemont

St James 1 - 1 Paul Bogle

B.B. Coke 2 - 4 Petersfield