Wolmer's, Ascot make winning start

Robert Bailey, Sunday Gleaner Writer

Former champions Wolmer's Boys recorded an exciting 3-2 come-from-behind victory over Jose Marti in the opening game of yesterday's double-header at Spanish Town Prison Oval, in the second round of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/Gatorade/Digicel Manning Cup football competition.

In the day's other game, Ascot edged Hydel 1-0.

National Under-17 representative Jason Wright (32nd), Deshanni Isaacs (47th) and substitute Deandre Smith (80th) were the goalscorers for the Ludlow Bernard-coached Wolmer's. Jeremy Nelson scored both goals for Jose Marti in the 18th and 51st minutes.

"It was a very good fighting game from my team despite some negative conditions today, but the most important thing is that we got all three points," said Bernard.

"It will put us in pole position because ... only one team will go through to the semi-finals and so I am happy that we have made a positive start to this round," Bernard added.

In the second match of the double-header, Keniko Thomas netted the lone goal for Ascot in the 57th minute to secure the win over Hydel.

Coach elated

Jason Grant, coach of Ascot, whose team advanced to the second round for the first time, was elated with their performance.

"It was a very hard-fought game. I must give kudos to the Hydel team because they played a very technical and tactical game," said Grant.

He added: "My players are inexperienced because it is their first time at this level of the competition, but they stuck to the game plan, which was keeping Hydel from getting close to our goal. I am happy that we were able to come away with all three points."

Hydel dominated the early exchanges and were awarded a penalty in the 17th minute, but their captain Omar Walcott's spot kick was saved by goalkeeper Shamoya Morgan.

A few minutes later, Hydel's Hakeem Spencer came close for his team, but with Morgan at his mercy, he shot wide of the target.

Patrick Okonkwo's spectacular long-range effort was tipped over the crossbar by Morgan on the stroke of half-time.

The Portmore-based Ascot took the lead early in the second half when the speedy and skilful Thomas slotted home from point-blank range past custodian Nicholas Clarke.

Lebert Halliman, coach of Hydel, was very disappointed with his team's effort.

"We gave it away, because we got a penalty early in the first half to go ahead and we kicked it away," said Halliman, who took over the head coach duties at the start of the season.

Continuing, Halliman said: "Everybody wanted to do their own thing when they realised that things were getting away from us. But it is a learning process, this is the first time we are reaching this stage of the competition."