Calabar too good for Excelsior

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

A second half brace from Akiel Barrett, carried Calabar High to an exciting 2-1 win over Excelsior in their Group C Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Pepsi/ Digicel Manning Cup match competition at Red Hills Road yesterday.

Barrett scored his goals in the 47th and 87 minutes while substitute Juvane Benjamin netted for Excelsior in the 48th. However, despite their loss, Excelsior remain atop the group with 22 points, three ahead of Calabar and Charlie Smith, who are locked on 19.

Alrick Clarke, coach of the Calabar, said he was pleased with his team's performance because they played good all-round football.

"We had nothing else to do, but come out and get all three points," said Clarke. "I know the abilities of my youngsters and they went out and played their hearts out and I am very happy for this win."

Clarke added: "We just have to continue winning because this is the only way that we are going to advance to the quarterfinals, but I know that my team can do it,once we stay focused.

Lebert Halliman, coach of Excelsior, said: "I think Calabar wanted it more than us and relished the wet conditions and they were able to come away with all three points."

Too many fouls

Halliman added:" I think we committed too many fouls and I don't think we coped well with the wet conditions because Calabar's players were much stronger than us.

Barrett gave the hosts the lead two minutes into the second half, when he headed home a left-sided free-kick from Wilbourne Williams past goalkeeper Jonah Morgan. However, Benjamin pulled Excelsior level a minute later when he beat goalkeeper Bradley Allen.

Barrett then sealed the victory for his team three minutes from time, when he slipped past three Excelsior defenders to tap home a cross from Chevonne Marsh.

Yesterday's results

• Group A: Waterford 1 Camperdown 0.
  
• Group C: Calabar 2 Excelsior 1, Charlie Smith 5 Kingston Technical 0.Group E: St George's College 2 Edith Dalton James 1, Ardenne 3 Donald Quarrie 0, Spanish Town 3 St Jago 2.