Jamaica College confirmed their credentials as title contenders, while remaining unbeaten in the LIME/ISSA Manning Cup competition yesterday when they got past Bridgeport High 3-1 at their home ground on Hope Road.
Jamaica College confirmed their credentials as title contenders, while remaining unbeaten in the LIME/ISSA Manning Cup competition yesterday when they got past Bridgeport High 3-1 at their home ground on Hope Road.
The win, which made it five on the trot for the True Blue, was a mature performance by a team looking to recover from last year’s Walker Cup final heartbreak. Led by captain Junior Flemming, JC held their composure when it was necessary and played like a team with purpose.
The home team got off to a good start when they were on the score sheet with just ten minutes on the clock. Skipper Flemming, darted down the left flank before crossing to an unmarked Raffique Bryan who had a simple tap in from inside the six yard box. Bryan probably won’t have an easier chance to score this season.
Credit must be given to Bridgeport, who after going down so early, never let their heads drop. They fought their way back into the game mainly through the efforts of Shaquille Folkes, Rojay Smith and Rayon Swire. Smith, playing out on the left flank, was particularly troublesome for the JC defense as he led the attack for his team.
JC too were having their moments down the left side in their attacks and it seemed as though Flemming would double the lead when he easily got passed his marker before dribbling into the area. Much to his credit however, Shea John got back in time to effect a fantastic block when a goal seemed certain.
With the game firmly in the balance it was another run down the left by JC that saw them go 2-0 up in the 37th minute, when Molique Bryan stole in between defenders and powered his header from a cross towards goal. The ball crashed against the upright and into the Bridgeport goal as the stunned away fans, who had just found their voices, looked on in anguish.
JC had looked more purposeful and direct in possession and that had paid off while Bridgeport were guilty of holding on to the ball, especially their captain Folkes. JC went in 2-0 up at the break.
JC got off to a fast start in the second half with Flemming tormenting the Bridgeport defenders with his mazy dribbles much to the delight of the home crowd who roared him on.
Ramone Howell should have made it 3-0 and killed off the game when he missed a sitter, kicking the ball unto the body of the Bridgeport goalkeeper Zachry Whitter who was lying on the ground after making a save.
The lucky escape seemed to breathe new life into Bridgeport as Clayda Pusey had two quick efforts on goal in the 55th and 56th minutes. The warning had been sounded and in the 64th minute Swire halved the deficit for his team when he raced on to a long ball before unleashing a powerful shot into the back of the net.
The visitors endured their best passage of play for the next five minutes as they sought the equalizer but the JC team maintained their composure and never wilted under the pressure.
Bridgeport had the winds knocked out of their sails when second half substitute Stefan Logan powered home to make it 3-1 with 18 minutes left to play.
From then on it was all JC as they took complete control of the game with Flemming switching from left to right flank and causing the Bridgeport defenders countless problems. He did not get on the score sheet but there is no doubt that the JC captain was the man of the match as he put in a stellar performance for his team. Had they not been so wasteful in front of goal the True Blue could have easily come away with six goals.
JC coach, Miguel Coley speaking with Yardie Sports after the game said, “It was a good game, but we had to change our game plan. We had to swith from 4-3-3 to 4-42 as we were being outnumbered in midfield. The switch paid off and I am happy with the win but we have to work on finishing in training. We should have scored a lot more today.”
Bridgeport coach Tyrone Roberts was understandably upset – “We were beaten by a very disciplined team. My players didn’t stick to the game plan. They didn’t play their roles, they were chasing the ball, leaving gaps for JC to exploit,” he bemoaned.
Photo: JC’s captain Junior Flemming holds of a Bridgeport defender during yesterday’s Manning Cup game – JC won 3-1
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