Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer
Jamaica College's Anthony Grant (right) moves away from Bridgeport High School's Andeen Jarrett during their ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup match at the Prison Oval on Saturday. JC won 4-0. Grant scored a double in last Saturday's 2-0 semi-final win over Kingston College.
Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
A place in history will be on the line when Jamaica College (JC) square off against defending champions Bridgeport in the final of the ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel Manning Cup final at 3:00 p.m. today at the Harbour View Mini Stadium.
Bridgeport, arguably the most dominant urban schoolboy football team in the last six years, have appeared in four finals during that period and are making their third title attempt.
For JC, once the most dominant force in schoolboy football - having racked up the most titles with 19 - look to finally put an end to a 33-year drought.
Generations have come and gone through the hallowed halls of the Old Hope Road school without ever seeing the Manning Cup, which last rested there in 1974 in the trophy case. Hopeful that it is about to come to an end, fans of the dark blues will flock to the stadium today.
However, the simple fact of the matter is that Bridgeport relish the role of spoilers.
Stopped Excelsior last year
To win their first title in 2000 they spoiled what looked to be a sure title for Spanish Town with two late goals. One year ago they left many Excelsior fans, who were hoping to capture the cup for their 75th anniversary celebrations, in tears. While as recently as a week ago, a late goal from midfielder Andre Steele broke the hearts of Waterford supporters who hoped to take part in their first final.
But it is JC who will start favourites today and on current form, they should come out on top. Just two weeks ago they gave Bridgeport a merciless 4-0 hammering to advance to the semi-final, while the Portmore team narrowly squeezed through the gate as the best second placed team.
Don't be fooled by that result as based on the calibre of players on both teams they are a lot closer than the result made in their only meeting of the season so far.
While struggling to achieve consistency, Bridgeport have plenty of talent to go around. In midfield national Under-17 representatives Steele and the crafty Adrian King have the ability to unlock any back line on a good day, while upfront the pace and physical strength of both strikers, André Clennon who has scored 12 goals and Darren Mattocks with 10, certainly know how to find the back of the net.
Bubbling with confidence
"We are very confident. The fact is that we are the defending champions, we have the title. Anybody who wants it has to beat us," Said Bridgeport coach Anthony Patrick. "We are quite upbeat and the players are ready and raring to go.
"If we focus in front of goal and make sure we put away the chances we create we can do this, we should win quite comfortably," he added.
However, JC are formidable and anchored by the experienced Robert Palmer, chances could be tough to come by for Bridgeport.
As an attacking outfit JC, led by the skilful Ramone Palmer who has hit the net 16 times this season, along with wide players, are adept at picking teams apart and Bridgeport last man Theo Brown and his back three will certainly have their work cut out.
Despite the obvious pressure which will rest on the shoulders of the Dark Blues, which was perhaps responsible for them folding 0-3 to Calabar in the Walker Cup final earlier this season, their coach Alfred Henry believes today's game to be business as usual.
"We have been preparing mentally and physically for this encounter and the only thing we expect to do today is to go out there and play some good football," he said.
"The players know what they have to go out there and do. I never pressure my team to win, I let them enjoy themselves and the end results have been visible so far."
