Jonathan Grant take charge in Group 1

- Ian Allen

Midfielders Kemeel Wolfe (left) of Jonathan Grant and Kowri Pickersgill of Jamaica College battle for possession during the Manning Cup clash between the two teams at Ferdie Neita Park yesterday. Jonathan Grant won 2-1.

Nodley Wright, Staff Reporter

JONATHAN Grant jumped to the top of Group one in the second round of the Manning Cup football competition with a 2-1 win over Jamaica College in the second game of a double-header at Ferdie Neita Park.

In the opening game, Kingston College and defending champions Norman Manley played to a 1-1 draw and they each have a point while JC are at the bottom of the four-team group.

In the second game, the Spanish Town-based got off to a flying start hitting their opponents even before they had a chance to settle. Young forward Steven Morrisey benefitted from the vision of his captain Kemeel Wolfe. Picking up the ball before a minute had expired on the clock, he made a defence-splitting pass which saw goalkeeper Linton White rushing out of his goal and missing the ball. Morrisey thanked his God and calmly converted.

While they were still getting over their shock, the Hope Road school were dealt another blow, this time by the goal-hungry Kemeel Wolfe. In the seventh minute, the younger brother of Jamaica Under-20 player Wolry, reacted quicker than the defence to fire home a rebound from a freekick by Egerton Lawrence from just outside the 18-yard box.

Thoughts of a blow out were being entertained around the ground but it would not happen. Goalkeeper White recovered from his shaky start and made a number of good saves to keep his team in the game. He did well to tip over another effort from Kemeel Wolfe 13 minutes later and also reacted quickly to save his team further embarrassment as Donovan Miller headed onto his own goal.

Jamaica College gradually worked their way back into the game and almost pulled one back in the 29th minute when a lovely cross from captain Hugh Chin was headed just over the bar by the lethal but overweight Vivian Malcolm. Two minutes later they found the net.

Robert Robinson showing good vision, passed the ball from just above the half line to the top of the 18-yard box to the sluggish Malcolm who missed. His miss opened up the defence for Phillip McKinley who fired low in the right corner of the net.

Jamaica College had a stronger second half and even had the better of play. The classy left-back Norado Jenkinso, Kowri Pickersgill, Chin, McKinley and even Malcolm - if only briefly - lifted their game. While Jamaica College had the better of play Jonathan Grant had the better scoring chances in this half.

Even with the introduction of Andre Andrews, who added some life and more bite to his team, JC could not find the equaliser.

Jonathan Grant coach, C. Alexander Parkes was happy for the win but felt his team could have done better. "It is always good to have a victory, even if it is an ugly victory. But as long as it is a victory and we are happy for these three points in today's game as it is a good start to the second round of the competition," Parkes said adding that fatigue was a possible reason for JC' dominance in the second half.

Jamaica College coach Glen Laing said that giving two early goals was the downfall of his team. "We gave up two early goals...before we even got started we were down. We knew we had the fight in us to come back. It was just to get the goals and that did not happen today."

"The next two teams have one point each so we have to beat them. On Tuesday we have Norman Manley and we are looking forward to going out and beating them. That would be the next step," Laing added as he examined the possibility of his team advancing to the semi-final round.

In the opening game, KC led through Nicholas Lynch's goal in the 25th minute, while Norman Manley drew level seven minutes later when Kevin Mills scored to take the game to an even first half finish.

The second half belonged largely to Norman Manley but they would not score. Co-captain Courtney Williams even missed a penalty.

TODAY'S GAMES