Slow-starting JC impressed with ‘in-the-running’ C’bar
Published:Saturday | November 13, 2021 | 12:11 AM
EVEN INSIDE the confines of their home ground, defending Manning Cup champions Jamaica College could not deliver an opening win to mark the return of the 2021-22 schoolboy football season.
The defending champions didn’t come away empty-handed though, managing a point from a 0-0 scoreline against Calabar High at Ashenheim Stadium.
It was a contest that was largely dominated by Calabar, who had the better opportunities, especially in the first half, the visitors pulling out well-timed saves from JC goalkeeper Denzel Smith, as well as last-gasp interventions by the backline.
JC head coach Davion Ferguson pointed to the long hiatus, combined with the shortened preparation time, for the loss of balance and offensive cohesion.
“When you look at the game, our rhythm was lacking and I think that’s the main reason for the result. It’s hard to get going after so long, especially with a shortened preseason,” Ferguson said.
“But once the competition continues, I believe these youngsters will grow into (themselves).”
LET OFF THE HOOK
Calabar head coach David Laylor felt his team let JC off the hook, especially in the first half when they missed a wide open net after Smith had made an initial save.
“Definitely disappointed. I think we should have done better in the final third in terms of scoring a goal because we had the opportunities but we never finished them,” Laylor said.
One of those golden chances fell to Darren Chinnon, who was thwarted near post by Smith, while Rushike Kelson put the follow-up over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
It was that lack of cutting edge that disappointed Kelson the most, who said he was not pleased with the way the team played, despite holding the defending champions.
“I think we performed poorly because during preseason we were playing disciplined and I didn’t think we played disciplined enough to come away with the victory today [yesterday],” Kelson said.
JC weren’t without their chances, however, and Calabar had to rely on their goalkeeper Cary Hamilton to deny Giovanni Mitto the lead after being put through on goal.
Ferguson said Calabar’s offensive bent was not surprising and that he was pleased with the point against a potential contender.
“We did not play well but we did not lose and ended up with a clean sheet against a very good Calabar team. I believe it’s a plus,” Ferguson said.
“We know that they have a very good bunch. People have been touting them as one of the favourites for the competition and it showed today [yesterday] that they will be in the running.”
In yesterday’s Other Games
Group B
Camperdown 5 Dunoon 0
Excelsior 1 Tivoli 2
Jonathan Grant 2 Jose Marti 0
STATHS 2 St Jago 2
Group