Come-from-behind victory for KC

Robert Bailey, Sunday Gleaner Writer

National Under-17 representative Romario Jones scored a brilliant second-half goal to guide former champions Kingston College (KC) to an exciting come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Norman Manley in their Group F encounter in the ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel Manning Cup at North Street yesterday.

Jones scored the winner in the 81st minute after national Under-20 player, Jhamie Hyde, had levelled the score for KC in the 27th minute. Leonardo Page had given Norman Manley the lead in the eighth minute.

KC, who are unbeaten in this year's competition, lead the standing with 21 points, ahead of Donald Quarrie and Norman Manley on nine points each. They are followed by Penwood (seven) and Ardenne (four). In the group's other game yesterday, Donald Quarrie edged Ardenne 1-0.

Coach Trevor 'Jumpy' Harris of KC said he was pleased with his team's efforts because they showed a lot of guts and determination to come from behind and win the match.

"I am happy with our performance because we went one-nil down and my players showed a lot of fight to come back and win this game," said Harris.

Norman Manley began the match confidently, as they took the lead early when Page stunned the home crowd when he headed home a corner from Andrew McLeod. However, KC dominated the remainder of the first period and were rewarded when Hyde headed home from close range.

KC outclassed their opponents in the second half but they failed to capitalise on the number of clear-cut chances which were offered to them by a very disorganised Norman Manley defence.

However, Jones, who came on midway the second half, collected a pass out of the midfield from Jason Greenland and unleashed a powerful 25-yard shot past Norman Manley goalkeeper Lemar Young.

Miguel Coley, coach of Norman Manley, said: "It was a very tough loss for us because I think that we lost our composure after we scored the goal."

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  Yesterday's Results
  

Group B

Waterford 2 Papine 1

Group D

St Jago 1 Jamaica 1

Kingston College 2 Norman Manley 1