Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
Wolmer's defender Ashani Fairclough (right) and goalkeeper, Richard Lewis, appeal a goal scored by Jamaica College's (JC) Ashani Walker (left) during their ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel Manning Cup match at JC yesterday. The match ended prematurely with JC leading 3-2.

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

It was chaos at Jamaica College (JC) yesterday as the much anticipated top-of-the-table Group C clash between the hosts and Wolmer's Boys ended prematurely, with JC leading 3-2.

The game, which was otherwise an outstanding contest, saw JC coming from 0-2 down to snatch the lead.

The game was, however, blown off by the referee approximately three minutes from end after Wolmer's coach, Michael Francis, refused to continue the game due to security concerns.

"The referee wanted us to continue despite the numerous crowd invasions. However, out of fear for the players safety, I decided we would not continue," said Francis, who along with his charges had to be escorted to their team bus by security officials.

Francis added: "We plan to appeal the decision to blow off the match as we thought it was within our rights not to continue."

In what was an exciting affair, Wolmer's took the lead in the first minute through prolific striker Christopher Waugh and in the 27th minute, they increased their lead to 2-0 via the boot of Ateba Morgan, who netted a scorching free-kick from just outside the area.

Dramatic turn

Things took a dramatic turn at the 43rd minute when JC's Saeed Robinson, left unmarked atop the area, pounced on a weak defensive clearance and after dribbling past a defender, netted to pull his team within a goal.

Action then moved to the second half where eight minutes in JC equalised through a swirling 45 yard left-foot free-kick from stand-out midfielder, Andre Brown.

JC's fightback was complete in the 87th minute when substitute Marc Robinson got behind a Wolmers defender and passed to an onrushing Ashani Walker, who with the goalkeeper at his mercy, slotted home from close range.

The goal sent JC supporters in ecstasy and onto the field and, in the melee, it is alleged that Wolmer's goalkeeper, Jason Lewis, was hit and injured.

The referee then tried to get the game restarted and cleared the field.

However, with Lewis limping and the crowd still within close proximity of the goal, Francis refused to allow his players to take the field, which left the referee with no other option but to blow off the match.

"It's unfortunate," said JC's manager Ian Forbes. "My understanding is that the referee ordered the game to be restarted, but Wolmer's refused. If they decide to appeal the referees decision, it will be up to ISSA. And whatever ISSA decides, we will play by the rules."