Holy Trinity still believes after loss to STGC

HOLY TRINITY High head coach Delano Kennedy says he remains optimistic about his team’s chances of advancing to the second round of the ISSA/WATA Manning Cup, despite a 3-1 defeat to St George’s College (STGC) in Zone A at Winchester Park yesterday.

The result gave STGC their first win of the season after two matches, with goals from Matthew Spence, Royland-Fray Campbell, and Joel French. Mickelle MonCreiff scored the lone goal for Holy Trinity, who now have one win and one defeat from their opening two games. Holy Trinity played well in the first half of the game, with MonCreiff giving them the lead midway the period.

However, STGC responded when Spence netted the equaliser against the run of play. STGC took command of the game in the second stanza and got the go-head goal when Campbell netted from the penalty spot.

French sealed the victory for his team with a beautiful shot minutes from full-time.

“I am really feeling positive because I think that the penalty call really did us bad. But we have to accept it, as that is the referee’s decision,” Kennedy said.

“We were very upbeat from the first half because we scored a wonderful goal from MonCreiff and we were making all the right steps, but, because of the penalty, we let George’s back into the game. This was due to the inexperience of the youngsters, but I know that we will rise again.”

Kennedy added that, despite the disappointment, his players are showing growth and confidence.

“We are definitely going to come out of this group,” he declared. “If we had lost this game last year, I wouldn’t have felt bad, but, this year, the boys are very disappointed because they really expected to win. However, it is a step in the right direction for them because they have started to believe in themselves and in what they are doing. The next thing is to start getting consistent results and shift our focus to our next game.”

According to Kennedy, the loss does not change the team’s objectives.

“The objective is to try and be a part of the top four so that we can play in the second-round games and then take it from there,” he explained.

“Given what we saw today, we still think that we can compete and be a part of that top four.”

Meanwhile, the zone’s leaders, St Jago High School, thrashed Gaynstead 13-0 to record the biggest margin of victory yesterday. St Jago were led to victory, courtesy of three goals each from Marlando Smith, Richardo Lewis, and Jaheem Darby. They received support from Kyan Lennon and Tavian Byfield, who netted two goals each as St Jago recorded their second straight victory in the competition.

Marcello Douglas, assistant coach of Jago, said he was very pleased with his team’s performance.

“I am feeling good about this victory because the boys are working hard. So I must commend them for keeping two clean sheets from two games,” he said.

“I think this is a big confidence booster, the boys were prepared well from the summer for moments like these and being professional right throughout, no matter which team we play and which competition we are in. The first objective is to get out of the group, then, from there, we will see what happens.”

Yesterday’s results

St George’s College 3-1 Holy Trinity

Kingston College 2-0 Haile Selassie

Clan Carthy 4-0 Innswood

St Catherine 2-0 Eltham

Charlie Smith 8-0 José Martí

Tivoli Gardens 5-0 Kingston Technical

Excelsior 2-0 Hydel