STATHS still poised to reclaim Manning Cup title

St Andrew Technical High School's agonising defeat in the 2019 ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup final to Jamaica College has not dampened their desire to end their more than three decades wait to reclaim the coveted schoolboy football title.

The Philip Williams-coached team came into last Saturday's final as favourites after managing to avoid defeat all season, but they were edged out 5-4 on penalties after playing out a goalless 90 minutes of regulation time.

It is the second time in three years that that JC stole the title away from Williams' side, as they were beaten 5-3 on penalties in 2017. But even with the close misses, Williams is still poised to win the urban area crown.

"It's not our time as yet but we cannot get distracted, we cannot get downhearted. We just have to keep trying until it's our time," he said.

Good programme

"The programme is good, We know what we are doing down there (at STATHS) and definitely we will be back here again next season,"Williams continued.

STATHS amassed a total of 58 goals this season and have been praised for their attacking style throughout the campaign.

But they were held scoreless for the first time this season and were limited to one shot on target in the final when Romario Campbell managed to get on the end of a cross and got the ball past JC goalkeeper Daniel Russell but was cleared before it crossed the line.

STATHS' Tyrese Smith saw his weak attempt in the fifth round of the penalty shoot-out saved by JC's substitute goalkeeper Tarique Barrett before Tajay Grant scored the decisive penalty, leaving the STATHS players heartbroken. Williams said that it was a painful way to go after how well they have played this year

"Leaving this year's competition, the way we played without a title is kind of disappointing for us," he said. "We reached the final, which is good but we have to keep on pressing."

Since Williams took over the programme in 2017, STATHS have been a major contender in the competition, having guided the school to three straight semi-final appearances after previous years of not advancing from the first round from 2012-2015.