Maggotty start well, Cornwall remain unbeaten

UNDERDOGS MAGGOTTY High School made a bold statement in the opening fixture of their ISSA daCosta Cup second-round campaign yesterday at the Montego Bay Sports Complex.

Twelve-time champions Cornwall College continued their impressive run, notching their first win of the second round at the same venue.

Maggotty carved out a 2-1 win to defeat former champions Rusea’s High, courtesy of Roshane Lewis who sank a penalty in the 50th minute and Ashanwi Daley in the 86th. Rusea’s Cory Palmer had restored parity a minute after Lewis’ spot.

According Maggotty head coach, Dwight Smith, the team exploited weaknesses.

“We watched them multiple times and basically knew their weaknesses. We just studied and executed on the day. We got our desired result and we are thrilled,” Smith said, further attributing the win to hard work.

“We have been working hard. The game just starts from the training ground and we had been prepared. We know that the journey continues, so that is where we are,” added Smith.

In the second game, Cornwall tamed giant killers Kemps Hill for their first three points, squeezing out a 2-0 victory in what was expected to be a competitve game.

Cornwall’s Nickane Brown scored as early as the ninth minute, while Ameche Robinson doubled the scoreline in the 78th to a comfortable win.

The home fans came with energy to cheer on their team, which played some beautiful football.

Hector Wright, head coach of Cornwall College, said the team came prepared to win a significant game.

“We know the Kemps Hill team is a very tough opponent. We played against them last year with them playing almost the same style of football. What we wanted to do was to just get the first victory in this round. Once we did that, it was always a plus for us,” said Wright.

Wright also emphasised the need for his team to play with pride.

“Playing for Cornwall, you have to play with a lot of pride. Every team you come up against is going to come hard, so I tell them to prepare for that,” added Wright.

Cornwall are yet to be beaten this season.

In a high-scoring game, Ocho Rios scorched Petersfield 7-1 to begin their second round campaign.

The second round resumes on Wednesday with Rusea’s playing Petersfield, while Cornwall will face Frome. The venues are to be announced.

Yesterday’s Results

Maggotty 2-1 Rusea’s

Ocho Rios 7-1 Petersfield

Manning’s 1-0 Belair

William Knibb 1-0 Central

Cedric Titus 2-3 Frome

Glenmuir 4-1 Alphansus Davis

Garvey Maceo 3-0 Old Harbour

STETHS 4-0 Knox College

Christiana 2-1 BB Coke

Manchester 2-0 St Mary