Mackison four timer helps KC drub Denham Town

Photo: Rashawn Mackison pokes home his first of four goals as Kingston College ran out 4-0 winners over Denham Town High in the ISSA/FLOW Manning Cup competition inside the National Stadium on Tuesday.

Kingston College led by four goals from Rashawn Mackison turned back pre-tournament Group C favorites Denham Town High, 4-0 in the ISSA/Flow Manning Cup inside the National Stadium on Tuesday.

KC utilized the space and width provided by the bigger pitch of the National Stadium field,while Denham Town tried effortlessly to stop the Purples from running in behind their defense.

Mackison scored his first in the 5th minute of play when he reacted fastest to a ball that the Denham Town custodian failed to handle. He poked home from close range to send his team on their way.

KC took control of the game as Denham Town chased shadows, while turning over position easily. KC should have scored more goals in the opening 20 minutes but was just too impatient in the final third.

Denham Town did their best to keep it tight at the back to ensure KC did not run riot.

Mackison doubled his tally four minutes before the half time interval when his instep kissed a perfect delivery from Denilson Simpson. Brian Bennett was beaten for pace and could only take the ball out of his net for the second time of the half.

First half substitute Trayvon Reid who replaced Dashawn Donaldson, was on display immediately when he intelligently won a penalty just before the break. Mackison took the spot kick and failed to convert to give KC a 3-0 lead and grab a first half hat trick. It was his second miss from the spot in as many games.

On the resumption, KC came out as if they wanted to put the hopes of a Denham Town comeback out the minds of the West Kingston school supporters. Mackison was at the centre of the action again but failed to hold his composure to get his hat trick and KC’s third.

Denham Town just could not stop the KC high press as the Ludlow Bernard coached team made use of the width of the field, going down the flanks regularly. Mackison finally grabbed his hat trick in the 50th minute. He ghosted in between two Denham Town defenders to meet the brilliant cross from Reid and guide the ball into the far corner of the net.

Seven minutes later, a Raheim Irvin cross was met by the impressive Mackison, who took his season tally to five goals in two games..

That would be the last goal of the game as both teams could hardly get the ball out of midfield. It was an efficient performance from Kingston College, who are seeking to gain their first hold on the coveted Manning Cup trophy in 30 years.

Mackison had mixed feelings about his overall performance. “I really feel great (about scoring four goals). I am kinda disappointed because I missed a penalty but I will just stay focused and remain positive,” he told Yardie Sports.

“My aim is to score 20 or more goals this season, that is what I promised my coach. We have a very great chance of getting this Manning Cup, we just have to stay focused and take it game by game,” he concluded.

Ludlow Bernard was pleased with his team’s performance and is sure that they will continue to improve as the season wears on.