STATHS edge STGC in battle of contenders

Phillip Williams, head coach of former champions St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), was pleased with his team’s performance following their 1-0 victory over St George’s College (STGC) at Bumper Hall yesterday.

Shankeno Grant scored the lone goal of the match in the 27th minute as STATHS secured all three points. Williams said he was particularly pleased with the way his team controlled the game, especially during the first half.

“I think we were very comfortable, we created a lot of chances, and the game was close because we just didn’t convert our chances,” he said.

“I think we did a lot of good things because we controlled the game from the opening whistle, but I think in the latter stages of the game, with such a close scoreline, there was some amount of panic. But in the end, we did enough to get the three points,” Williams said.

“We always want to win our first game because that was the intention coming into this game, and we did just that.”

STATHS, one of the competition’s most consistent teams over the past decade, started confidently and created a number of clear scoring opportunities. However, poor finishing and a lack of composure in front of goal let them down in the early stages.

Last season’s semi-finalists were eventually rewarded for their dominance when Grant arrived in the centre of the 18-yard box to fire home from close range.

STATHS, who were fluent in possession throughout the contest, squandered several opportunities during the remainder of the first half and went into the break holding a slender advantage.

STGC emerged with greater purpose in the second half and threatened on several occasions, but resolute defending by the STATHS backline kept them at bay.

In fact, STGC had their opponents on the back foot in the closing minutes, but were unable to find an equaliser as STATHS held on for the victory.

Yesterday’s results

St Catherine 2-3 Jamaica College

Tivoli Gardens 5-0 Edith Dalton-James

Excelsior 4-0 St Jago

Eltham 3-0 Hillel Academy