Manchester seek Ben Francis redemption

The ISSA Ben Francis Cup knockout round of 16 gets under way today, with Manchester High School seeking revenge when they host seven-time champions Cornwall College in a highly anticipated clash at 3 p.m. A place in the quarter-finals is at stake.

Cornwall ended Manchester’s campaign at the same stage last season, edging them 4-2 on penalties after the teams battled to a 1-1 draw. Manchester coach Johnoy Chambers is hoping home advantage will help his team turn the tables this time around.

“Cornwall would have knocked us out at the quarter-final stage in this competition last year, so we’re looking forward to facing them again. The beauty about it this time is that they’re the ones coming to us, so they have to adjust to us,” said Chambers.

“I expect it to be a really entertaining game. I expect the fans to come out. All of Manchester will be here to push us, so we’ll be using the home crowd as an advantage,” he added.

Meanwhile, Cornwall head coach Leacroft Lettman said the focus is on ensuring his players are physically prepared to perform effectively in an away environment.

“Traveling is really different from being at home, so the timing of everything is going to be important. How the boys eat on time, how they get back the relaxation in the muscles on the journey,” said Lettman.

“I think they are up and ready for the task. Once you’re ready to take on the mantle on the road, you have to step out of your comfort zone and show dividend on the road.”

He added, “We see the fruit bearing, as these boys have grown into each game.”

Perennial favourites

Cornwall’s rich history has made them perennial favourites, but it has been 12 years since they last claimed the title.

The boys from Orange Street have won seven Ben Francis titles, lifting the trophy in 1983, 1984, 1991, 1995, 2000, 2001 and 2003. They are tied with St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) for the most titles in the competition.

Last season, Cornwall finished runners-up after champions Clarendon College edged them 2-1 in the Ben Francis final.

While Manchester are no pushovers, they are still in search of their first piece of schoolboy football silverware.