daCosta Cup
Lenny Hyde expects improvement after champs’ slow start
Published:Saturday | November 13, 2021 | 12:10 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
CLARENDON COLLEGE head coach Lenworth Hyde has preached patience for his group after his side came from behind to eke out a 3-2 win over Edwin Allen High, in their 2021-22 daCosta Cup season opener at the Ashenheim Stadium yesterday.
A brace from Christopher Hull in the 36th and 44th minutes followed by Jaheim Rose in first-half stoppage time completed a turnaround after the daCosta Cup defending champions fell behind in the first 10 minutes thanks to Edwin Allen’s Ackeem Mullings. Richard Henry added a consolation goal in the second minute of second-half stoppage time.
It was far from a perfect performance from the reigning champions. However, Hyde says he expects improvement as the season continues.
“We missed a lot of chances but such is the game, the first game. They have the jitters, the nerves set in. So we have to continue to work and try to motivate them, just tell them to relax and we’ll see a better (performance) from them,” Hyde said.
FIRST GOAL
Clarendon thought they took the lead with less than five minutes on the clock but Jeremy Smikle’s effort was ruled offside. From there, Clarendon pressed Edwin Allen, finally getting their reward through Hull, who took advantage of a defensive error and opened the floodgates for his team.
According to Hyde, the short preparation has resulted in growing pains for his squad with players making their transition from the lower youth levels. According to Hyde, the new talents have to be given time to get them properly acclimated to this level.
“We didn’t have a wonderful preseason as we used to. These guys are most of the under-16 players,” Hyde said. “So we are trying to get them to gel and understand the system. It will take time but they are learning and we will take our time with them.”
Edwin Allen rued a missed opportunity to cut the deficit early in the second half, as Omario Fearon’s penalty was saved by Clarendon College goalkeeper Jameal Vassel. Nevertheless, Edwin Allen head coach Tafari Burton praised his team’s ability to contain the champions in the last 45 minutes.
“Kudos to the boys. Their spirit didn’t drop, they kept their spirits high and kept the defending champions from scoring anymore. They contained them,and fought them for possession same way,” Burton said.
“I am pleased with how we started. We are the only team that scored in the two halves. So that’s a positive to work from. It’s obvious that there was a tactical error and as the defending champions, give credit to them. That’s the type of team that will hurt you when you make mistakes.”