KC, St George’s clash at Stadium East

After a three-week wait, Kingston College and St George’s College finally get to lock horns against each other in an ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup clash with second-round implications this afternoon at Stadium East field at 3 p.m.

The ‘North Street Derby’, the most anticipated Group A fixture, was scheduled for September 24, but was postponed because of severe weather conditions associated with Hurricane Ian. Since the postponement both teams have won their last four games with KC securing their second-round place thanks to an 8-0 win over Waterford on Monday. St George’s took one step closer towards the next round with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Calabar.

KC’s form coming into the derby is strong, with the team winning seven games and scoring 37 goals so far this season. While head coach Raymond Watson said that they are facing their neighbours at the right time, he is also cognisant of the need to preserve the health of the squad with the title run in mind.

“Now, we probably have to be resting players as we look to prevent injuries and all of those things,” Watson said. Among those that will be missing out are midfielder Rajae Taylor and forward Jaheem Johnson with Darnel Edwards a game time decision.

Although dealing with those circumstances, Watson said that it hasn’t lessened the expectations of himself and of his players for the game, anticipating going toe to toe with a St George’s coaching staff led by Neville Bell known for throwing a curve ball or two.

“Knowing them they will try to present something tactically different. But I will always combat what they present,” Watson said. St George’s are currently on 18 points, three points behind KC for the top spot in the group and could book their second-round place with a win.

Assistant coach of St George’s, Marcel Gayle, said that their recent form, after their 3-2 defeat to Waterford High last month has put them in a prime position to get one over their rivals.

“The game comes at the right time for us. A top of the table clash, a derby that is more than over 50 years old now. We are just looking forward to it. We just want to go out and do our best,” Gayle said.

daniel.wheeler@gleanerjm

Today’s matches

Group A

Calabar High vs Meadowbrook High

Kingston College vs St George’s College

Waterford vs Ardenne

Group B

St Catherine High vs Cedar Grove Academy

St Mary’s College vs Holy Trinity

Group C

Haile Selassie High vs Bridgeport

Group E

Mona High vs Papine High

Group F

Clan Carthy High vs Cumberland High

Campion College vs Kingston Tech

Excelsior High vs Jose Marti

All games kick off at 3:00 p.m