Wolmer's brace for tricky clash against Spanish Town

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Former champions Wolmer's Boys could face a tricky contest when they play away to Spanish Town High in today's feature match of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Pepsi/ Digicel Manning Cup urban area senior schoolboy football competition, at Spanish Town Prison Oval, starting at 3:30 p.m.

The Ludlow Bernard-coached Wolmer's, who are unbeaten in the competition so far, are oozing with confidence ahead of today's encounter, following their 8-0 victory over Edith Dalton James in their opening match on Monday.

Last win

The Heroes Circle-based school, who last won the competition in 1994, will once again look to their inspirational striker Jason Wright, who scored a hat-rick in their opening win.

"We are very confident, but we just have to go out there and play organised football, both offensively and defensively, and once we do this, I believe we will get the victory," said Bernard.

"However, this is a new game, different team and different approach, because this is an away game," Bernard said.

He added: "I think our opponents should be all fired-up because they are in their comfort zone, and so I think it is going to be a very tricky game. But I am still very optimistic that we can get all three points."

Wright is expected to receive major support from captain Omar Holness, Janime Dennis and Desmond Campbell.

Meanwhile, the Anthony Thompson-coached Spanish Town also won their opening match, as they blanked Donald Quarrie 3-0 on Monday.

Thompson said his players are also ready and raring to go for full points.

"We are in a very confident mood ... we are in a tough zone and we have to play our best football in order stay up there with the leaders," said Thompson.

"It is going to be a tough game because Wolmer's always have a good team, but we are going out there in a winning mood and to ensure that we get all three points," he said.

Thompson added: "We have a well-rounded team and I believe that as the season goes on I know that they will get better and better, because I know that we can win this group."

Spanish Town will rest their hopes in the hands of leading players Kenroy Powell, Okama Thompson, Vinroy Haynes and Owen Walters.

Today's games

Group A

Cumberland vs Camperdown

St Mary's College vs Jamaica College

Group C

Kingston Technical vs Calabar

St Andrew College vs Excelsior

Papine vs Innswood High

Group E

Edith Dalton James vs Ardenne

St Jago vs Donald Quarrie

Spanish Town vs Wolmer's

Home teams named first. Match time is 3:30 p.m.