Champs JC march into quarter-finals

by

November 02, 2023

Photo

Jamaica College’s (JC) Jamoy Dennis (left) outruns Eltham High’s Kevin Clarke (right) during their ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup schoolboy football match yesterday at Ashenheim Stadium. JC won 3-1 to advance to the quarter-finals 6-1 on aggregate.

Defending ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup schoolboy football champions Jamaica College (JC) made light work of Eltham yesterday, comfortably strolling to a 3-1 victory at the Ashenheim Stadium, their home turf.

Amarlie King in the 36th minute, Jayd Johnson in the 37th, and a 61st strike from Jabarie Howell did the damage for JC, facilitating JC's progress to the quarter-finals.

The Davion Ferguson-coached JC, who won the tie 6-1 on aggregate, not only kept the lion's share of possession over the 90 minutes but also the best goal-scoring opportunities.

The reigning champions controlled the early pace of the game and got their opener through a vicious right-footed strike from the laces of King.

JC hunted their opponents immediately after the resumption and further wounded their prey when Johnson pounced upon a fumbled ball from Eltham's goalkeeper Joshua Aitcheson, sending them into the half-time break with a 2-0 cushion.

In the second half, Eltham capitalised on their only goal-scoring opportunity, as Jevaughn Grant's brave run into the box gifted them a consolation goal in the 53rd minute.

JC were hungry for more and got their third through Howell's strike from just outside the box, which was mishandled again by Aitcheson.

Davion Ferguson, head coach of JC, credited Eltham's tactics but was pleased with his players' patience.

"We were somewhat disappointed in conceding that goal as we never wanted to do that. However, I think we played well, and credit must be given to Eltham as they came here with a good plan, and it's hard when you're being man-marked all over the pitch. Our boys were patient, and we got the goals and kudos to them," Ferguson stated.

Christopher Holmes, assistant coach of Eltham, was happy for his young charges' display this season and looked to the future with optimism.

"These guys are very young. They're under 15 years old. The programme will continue next year, and I hope they get more mature and disciplined and, in time, will represent Eltham very well," Holmes stated.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com