Manchester determined to draw first blood – Edwards

Despite admitting that they will have to show respect to 2011 champions St James High School in their first match of the quarter-final round of the ISSA/WATA daCosta Cup today, Andrew Edwards, coach of Manchester High School, said they are determined to draw first blood.

The match is set to kick off at 3 p.m. at Jarrett Park, and is one of the seven games scheduled to take place in the daCosta Cup today. The match between Glenmuir and Garvey Maceo is set for Wednesday at the Juici Beef Sports Complex.

"We have to approach the game with a lot of caution because we don't know anything about the St James High team. Playing away from home, it is important that we try to play the game in a positive manner. Obviously, they are coming out of a very competitive Zone A," said Edwards.

"Their record has been very good. They have been playing at this level of the competition consistently for some years now. We have to respect them, play a very solid game defensively and, hopefully, if they make a mistake or two, we can capitalise," he added.

"Our players are really determined to do the best they can. We can't concern ourselves too much about what St James (High School) have been doing and what they are capable of doing. We have to really focus on what we want to do and try to realise our own dreams ... the game tomorrow is in front of both teams."

With defending champions Rusea's now out of contention, Edwards was asked if he believes this opens the path for them to win their first ever title.

"To win the competition, there is still a long way to go and we are not even looking there just yet. We are in a very difficult group. We have to be very purposeful about what we are doing and try to clear each hurdle one at a time," said Edwards, who labelled Manchester as the underdog of their quarter-final group, despite the ranking.

"The ranking would suggest that but I'm not so sure if the ranking is a true reflection of the quality of the different teams. If St James High played in our zone, chances are they could have won the zone," he added.

ISSA/WATA DaCosta Cup Fixtures:

- Port Antonio v Mile Gully at Carder Park, 3 p.m.

- Frome v Maggotty at Frome Sports Complex, 1 p.m.

- Petersfield v Dinthill at Frome Sports Complex, 3 p.m.

- Lennon v STETHS at Juici Beef Complex, 1 p.m.

- Clarendon College v Old Harbour at Juici Beef Complex, 3 p.m.

- St. James v Manchester at Jarrett Park, 3 p.m.

- Charlemont v Cornwall College at Bramwell at Clarke Complex, 3 p.m.