Bridgeport aim to create gap

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Anthony Patrick, coach of Bridgeport, says his team will be seeking to distance themselves from their Group G rivals, when they host St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) at Gibson Road today, in the ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel Manning Cup schoolboy football competition.

The former champions, who have so far notched up three wins and a draw, currently lead the group with 10 points, the same as surprise package Jose Marti Technical, who have an inferior goal difference.

They are followed by STATHS on nine points, while St Mary's College (four) and Oberlin (one) round off the group.

"We haven't been playing any good football as such, but the important thing is that we have been getting three points," said Patrick.

"But we are hoping that starting with this match we will see the team playing up to par by passing the ball around better and putting away our chances," he added.

Midfielders Roger Bucknor (captain) and Ryan Swire, and forwards Ramone Howell, Nico Williams and Damani Williams have been Bridgeport's most outstanding players thus far and will form the core of their thrust for goals.

STATHS, in the meanwhile, who went down to a shock 5-0 loss to Jose Marti last Friday, will look to captain and midfielder Trey Salmon, central defender Orane Morrison and forward David Miller to rebound.

"We lost our first choice goalkeeper through a neck injury in the fifth minute in our game against José and his replacement performed below expectations," said STATHS' coach, Phillip Williams.

"But that is now behind us and the aim against Bridgeport is to just go our there, give our best and protect our goalkeeper as best as possible, as the group is still close and we still have hopes of qualifying for the next round," he added.

José Marti will host Oberlin in the group's other encounter.

Jamaica College, Kingston College and St George's College are the only teams that have qualified for the second round thus far.