Injured Watson inspires KC to come-from-behind win

He was, at first, reluctant to play while carrying an injury but Kingston College's Luis Watson came on as a substitute yesterday to inspire his school to a thrilling come-from-behind ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup semi-final triumph.

KC overturned a 2-1 half-time deficit to defeat St Andrew Technical 4-2 at the Stadium East field to earn a meeting with Jamaica College in the final.

Watson who came on as a first-half substitute assisted on Ronardo Burgher's 60th-minute equaliser. He then scored the go-ahead goal eight minutes later before Christopher Pearson's 74th-minute free kick ensured that their quest for a 16th title continued.

Watson was carrying an injury and has been used sparingly throughout the season but he said that he was determined to get his team over the line despite the difficult start.

"It was a lovely feeling. I didn't want to come on (at first) because I was nursing an injury. I'm just glad that the team won and we are now focused on the final," Watson said.

KC head coach Ludlow Bernard said that Watson's introduction was part of the strategy as KC were battling back from conceding early in the first half and having made early changes to the defence.

"We kind of designed the formation and the team plan around him as of that point. Because we know his strengths with the throw-ins and we know his strengths with the crosses and getting into wide areas," Bernard said. "This is his third game and I think as he goes along he is going to get better and he is going to be an outlet for us in terms of goals."

With the chance of claiming a 16th title by beating reigning champions Jamaica College, Watson said that he is desperate to finally claim schoolboy success.

"We need this one. I haven't won a trophy since I started to play schoolboy football and I definitely need this one but the team also needs it," Watson said.