By LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter
St. Andrew Technical's players celebrate a goal against Charlie Smith in their first encounter. The match ended 1-1. - File
HIGH-RIDING St. Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) host high-scoring Charlie Smith Comprehensive this afternoon at Tinson Pen as the in the first round return legs of the ISSA Pepsi/Sports Plus Manning Cup kick off.
The first meeting between the two teams ended in a 1-1 battle. Although recording 17 goals in two games, Charlie Smith have seemed unstable so far in the competition and a determined STATHS, who top the group with 10 points, are ready for any surprise Charlie Smith may bring.
STATHS' coach Wayne Fairclough said yesterday his team is as determined as ever and intends to stay on top.
"This game tomorrow is a must win for us. Even though we top the group we are not taking anything for granted. Charlie Smith are a good team and they tend to have a psychological advantage over their opponents because of their history," he said.
Kingston Technical and Dunoon play at the Clan Carthy field and rounds off games for Group A.
Defending champs Norman Manley are expected to put up a battling performance against St. George's College, who surprised them with a 1-0 victory in the opening game. St. George's College's coach Andre Bell said he is looking forward to the game and is expecting good things from his team.
"We have Norman Manley tomorrow. If we have a good game against them that should give us the confidence to come out of the first round, which is what our goal is," he said.
Norman Manley, St. George's College and Donald Quarrie are tied with seven points each on top of Group A. However, Norman Manley lead the other two on goal difference.
In the other Group A match-up, a struggling Calabar will host Donald Quarrie. With only one win against St. George's College, Calabar are floatings in the middle of their group with only four points.
Confident Bridgeport take on Holy Trinity at Kingston College where Bridgeport will look to continue theirs winning streak.
Bridgeport have the second best record with 12 points and 19 goals, second to St. Jago with 15 points and 19 goals. Ascot who are tied with Holy Trinity with one point, host Camperdown at Ferdi Neita Sports Complex. Ascot's only point came from a 2-2 draw with Holy Trinity.
