Come from behind win for Excelsior

by

October 25, 2016

Photo

Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer Excelsior High's Kimani Decombre (left) goes into a challenge with Jonathan Grant High's Kashief Graham during their Manning Cup encounter at the Constant Spring Complex yesterday.

Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer Excelsior High's Cadine Graham celebrates his goal against Jonathan Grant High in their Manning Cup second round encounter at the Constant Spring Complex yesterday. Excelsior won 2-1.

Excelsior High and Holy Trinity High assumed joint leadership of Group H with three points, courtesy of similar 2-1 wins over Jonathan Grant High and Camperdown High respectively, in second round ISSA-FLOW Manning Cup action at the Constant Spring Complex yesterday.

High-riding Excelsior had to come from behind to beat plucky Jonathan Grant in the opening match at 1 p.m.

Jonathan Grant's captain, Tahj Beckford, put his team ahead in the the fifth minute with a controversial headed goal. The match officials decided the ball had crossed the line despite protests from Excelsior's players and their coach Shavar Thomas.

It did not take Excelsior long to find the equaliser. Cadine Graham scored in the 13th minute to send the teams into the half-time break at 1-1. Eight minutes after the break Tyrick Sutherland produced a brilliant header to seal victory for Excelsior.

much-rotated team

According to Thomas, the referee made a mistake in awarding Jonathan Grant the go-ahead goal but credited his much-rotated team for coming back and winning the game.

"We started out slowly but picked up and got an important victory in order to be in contention for the semi-final spot. I felt that the referee made a bad call that led to Jonathan Grant scoring early," Thomas, a former Jamaica star defender said.

In the second match Holy Trinity's late show denied Camperdown.

The winners went ahead with a goal from forward Shai Smith in the 26th minute. They held that lead until the 73rd minute when Nicolai Small levelled for Camperdown.

With time running out substitute Oranando Salmon coolly slotted home a beautiful 90th minute winner to hand Holy Trinity all three points.

Holy Trinity's coach Devon Anderson praised the gutsy performance of his players who, he said, got less than 24 hours to recover after Saturday's dramatic 4-3 loss to St Elizabeth Technical in the FLOW Super Cup.

Yesterday's results

Excelsior High 2 Jonathan Grant 1

Holy Trinity 2 Camperdown 1

Today's games

1 p.m: St Jago High vs Hydel High

3 p.m: Jamaica College vs Denham Town

Both matches will be played at Constant Spring.