N Manley make big move towards semis

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Three-time champions Norman Manley High took a bold step towards qualifying for the semi-finals of the urban area ISSA/Pepsi/ Manning Cup schoolboy football competition, after registering a 1-0 win over Group Three rivals Excelsior High in second-round action at the Constant Spring playing field yesterday.

The boys from Maxfield, who lasted tasted championship success in 2002, won after midfielder Dean Phillips netted a free kick at the 50th minute, which took a deflection on its way into the goal.

Victory propelled Norman Manley to maximum six points in the group, three ahead of former leaders Excelsior, and Wolmer's.

The latter defeated Tivoli Gardens High (zero points) 2-0 in the opening game of what was a double-header at the venue, to put an end to the campaign of the boys from west Kingston.

Forward Jason Wright scored both goals for the maroon and gold standard-bearers in the 46th and 90th minutes.

With one set of matches to go in the group, Norman Manley now have the enviable task of playing Tivoli in their final game, while Wolmer's and Excelsior will face off.

The second round consists of three groups, with the three winners and the best second-place team slated to advance to the semi-finals.

Mentally strong

"We played a mentally strong game. We were able to withstand everything that Excelsior brought to us," said a pleased-looking Miguel Coley, coach of Norman Manley.

"It would be good if we could make it to the semi-finals and, as such, we plan to give our all in the final game," he added.

After failing to impress in their opening encounter, despite coming away with a 1-0 win over Wolmer's, Norman Manley were much more fluid against Excelsior, and had it not been for a combination of sporadic periods of poor finishing and fairly good goalkeeping they could have taken the lead before half-time.

However, they were not to be denied after the break as Phillips - who also scored a penalty in his team's opening win - let loose a free kick from 25 yards, only to see it take a deflection that found goalkeeper Jona Morgan wanting, as it flew into the goal.

Excelsior thereafter mounted a series of attacks, especially through their influential captain and forward Neco Brett, but stout defending, primarily from Norman Manley's sweeper and captain Ramone McGregor, kept them at bay.

"We played well, but as you can see our goalkeeper made a blunder. We have to just try and be positive from here regarding the possibilities of us qualifying for the second round and play well in our last game," said Excelsior's coach, Leebert Halliman.

The first match was a fairly dull affair. However, thanks to the goal from the hard-working and stockily built Morgan, the boys from Heroes Circle were able to pull through.