Photo: Alex Marshall has scored the most goals for St. Georges College and will need to be heavily policed by Jamaica College captain Allando Brown in the finals of the ISSA/FLOW Super Cup final today at the National Stadium.
The second edition of the ISSA/FLOW Super Cup final promises to be an instant classic as the two most dominant corporate area schoolboy football teams in the last eight years, Jamaica College and St. Georges College face off today at 6pm inside the National Stadium.
Jamaica College as defending champions will start slight favourites, but only just. Having played 7 games in this competition so far, dating back to last year, the True Blues have never been defeated in this competition.
The mental toughness of this unit coached by Miguel Coley is probably unmatched by any other team. Needing to win against Wolmers’ to qualify for the Manning Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, they kept knocking at the door until their nemesis in the Walker Cup semis cracked, then caved in, allowing them the win of 3-1 in the end.
Unlike last season, they lack the star player that they had in Junior Flemmings, but they have replaced him with a steely resolve that runs through the veins of every member of the squad. Captain Allando Brown has been a rock at the back, steadying the ship when necessary and bringing confidence to the team. The two Donovan’s, Segree at left back and Dawkins on the right flank have become very influential for the team. The overlapping runs from Segree have been timely and have contributed to a number of goals, while the robust Dawkins has scored his fair share.
In the past few days, Tyreek Magee has grown in stature and contributed vital goals from free kicks while Jamar Purcell in the middle of the park has pulled the strings to make the boys from Hope Road almost flawless.
JC looks a solid unit and will prove difficult to beat. The fact is, JC has no intention of giving up their trophy!
St. Georges has never been this far in the competition. They were bounced out at the quarter-finals last year, but are confident of going all the way this season. Rebuilt after losing a number of their best players to graduation, this new unit has played the most exciting football to date. They have charmed and wowed spectators with their free flowing football that has been very easy on the eyes.
In Alex Marshall they have the leading goal scorer in the corporate area and he took his tally to 21 on Thursday when he scored the opener in a 2-0 win over arch rivals Kingston College. The win took them to the semis finals of the Manning Cup and makes them the only team still in the hunt for four trophies.
Dominic James and Akeem Prawl have been responsible for keeping things safe at the back and unsung hero Stephon Gilzene has been good both in defence and in attack. Gregory Messam Jr. has taken over the captain’s armband for the last two games following injury to Shevon Stewart and has also been deployed in a more central role. Against St. Jago in the semi-finals he put in a very mature performance and will need to repeat for STGC to overcome JC.
The ‘X’ factor for STGC and perhaps the game is Stewart. His sore groin has caused him to miss two games in a row and he is very doubtful to start or even play today. He is the inspirational leader of the team and Stewart would be a big miss for the Light Blues should he be unable to contribute at all.
On the other hand, the Neville Bell coached team has scored five times and conceded just once in the absence of Stewart and will no doubt be mentally prepared to go it without him, should that be that case.
In the end it, may come down to tactical adjustments and individual brilliance to separate the two teams that are undoubtedly the best on show, at this time.
St. Jago will tackle Wolmers for third place in the curtain raiser starting at 4pm.
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