'Strong talk' proved decisive for STETHS - Wedderburn

Omar 'Rambo' Wedderburn, coach of rural heavyweights St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS), said all it took was a stern half-time talk to lift his team to their come-from-behind 2-1 win over Charlie Smith High School in the quarter-final of the Champions Cup at the Montego Bay Sports Complex on Saturday.

This result sets up a mouth-watering semi-final against Manning Cup champions Jamaica College, with Cornwall College, who defeated Camperdown 2-0 at the same venue, and St George's College, who slammed St Andrew Technical High School 5-0 at Stadium East, meeting in the next semi-final.

NETTINGTHEWINNER

Kemoy Bailey gave Charlie Smith the lead in the first minute of the game, which they held to the break. However, 10 minutes into the second half, goalkeeper Devontae Clarke equalised from the penalty spot with his third goal of the season. STETHS continued to apply the pressure, which resulted in substitute Adam Griffiths netting the winner in the 65th minute.

"I think it is always good to fight from one goal down. The half-time made a difference as the players came out a different team (at in the second half). They didn't need any technical or tactical adjustment we just needed heart. We know how to play the ball on a good surface which was lacking in the first half. However, in the second half we came out, put the ball on the ground and (that gave us the win)" said Wedderburn.

"We had a strong talk in the changing room, you understand a very strong talk. Sometimes you have to deal with it like you're on the street to make them (players) understand. At times we as coaches don't know that we have to get down to their level to make them understand and really bring across what we need to," Wedderburn added.

In their semi-final on Friday STETHS will meet defending Manning Cup Champions Jamaica College who also recorded a come from behind 2-1 win over Holy Trinity.

When asked about their chances of again making it to the final, like they did last year, Wedderburn told STAR Sports that they are up for the task ahead and will be putting in the necessary preparation.

"As you know preparation starts from now. We are not going to say much about it, but we are just going to the field of training to decide on how we take it on .... However, we are here and up for it," said Wedderburn.