Defending champions STETHS exit daCosta Cup

NEW champions will be crowned in the ISSA daCosta Cup this season after Manchester High rallied from a goal down to beat defending champions St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) 2-1 in a dramatic round-of-16 encounter at Manchester yesterday, ending their title defence.

Manchester, however, will have to wait until their final Zone Two fixture against Glenmuir High to determine whether they have done enough to secure a quarter-final spot.

After a goalless first half, STETHS’ Vinroy Lyttleton broke the deadlock in the 47th minute. However, Manchester responded through Jevohntae Gordon, who equalised in the 69th minute.

With the match seemingly heading for a draw, Shamone Reynolds capitalised on an error by STETHS goalkeeper Johnoi Steadman in stoppage time to score the decisive goal and send Manchester into celebration while ending the defending champions’ title defence.

The victory lifted Manchester to second in Zone Two on four points, behind Glenmuir High, who maintained their perfect record to advance to the quarterfinals with a 3-0 victory over Kemps Hill High. Kemps Hill are third with a point, and STETHS are at the bottom of the table without a point.

Manchester coach Johnoy Chambers described the encounter as a hard-fought contest.

“The team fought right through. What I enjoyed about the game is the fact that we went down 1-0, and we were able to rally back in the second half, scoring in the dying moments, and that will always do good for a team going forward,” said Chambers.

In Zone One, many-time champions Cornwall College cruised to a 3-0 victory over Frome Technical to maintain their perfect record and book their place in the quarter-finals.

Demarco Finikin opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before Shakeem Gibson doubled Cornwall’s lead in the 58th minute. Frome’s Donte Spence then scored an own goal in the seventh minute to complete the 3-0 victory.

SIX RED CARDS

However, the match ended in chaotic fashion, with six players from both teams receiving red cards. Frome’s Tessaney Ranikine and Romario Clarke were sent off before the final whistle, while Cornwall’s Shaheem Bernard and goalkeeper Carlyle Tinglin were shown red cards after the match. Frome’s Marquez Dunn and goalkeeper Demarcus Foster also received red cards after the final whistle.

Cornwall sit atop the zone with six points, while Garvey Maceo are second on two points after coming from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw against Ocho Rios High. Frome and Ocho Rios are tied on one point, with Frome ahead on goal difference.

Cornwall coach Leacroft Lettman said it was important for his players to remain level-headed as they continue their campaign.

“I think the boys have gotten into gear now and know the task that they have to do, and we just want to take it match by match and move forward into the next game,” Lettman said.

Meanwhile, in Zone Four, Central High handed Manning’s School their second consecutive 4-1 defeat, eliminating them from the competition. Manning’s had suffered an identical defeat to Munro College on Saturday.

In the other Zone Four encounter, Munro College and McGrath High played to a 1-1 draw.

Munro and McGrath are tied on four points, with Munro holding the advantage on goal difference. Central are third on three points while Manning’s remain at the bottom without a point.