Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer
Campion's Hanniford McLeod (left) shield the ball as he tries to shrug off Norman Manley's Andre Bailey during their ISSA/Pepsi-Jamaica National-sponsored Manning Cup football match between Norman Manley High School and Campion at Tinson Pen yesterday. Norman Manley won 1-0. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
SPANISH TOWN:
JOSE MARTI Technical and Mona High played to a 1-1 draw in their ISSA/Pepsi-Jamaica National Manning Cup encounter at the Jose Marti playfield yesterday afternoon.
The match, which started late due to an unprepared field by Jose Marti, saw both teams playing tentatively for the greater portion of the first half.
That lasted until Mona's Prince Shand beat the Jose Marti defence and scored from about 20 yards out to give his team a 1-0 half time lead.
On the resumption of play, Jose Marti made two substitutions and played more purposeful to grab the equaliser in the 56th minute when Dwayne Ervin beat the advancing Mona goalkeeper.
GOOD DEFENDING
Mona tried to regain the lead but stout defending, led by Jose Marti's captain Elvin Johnson, prevented any change in the scoreline.
Mona were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute when Fabian McGregor was ejected by referee Lascelles Wheeler for a second bookable offence.
It affected the run of play as Jose Marti then took on the dominant role, only to be denied a win by faulty finishes.
Winston Powell, coach of Jose Marti, said he is pleased with the team's performance and that the score could have been different were it not for some indifferent refereeing.
"I think we played well, and the team played according to instructions. They spread the ball and we scored when it mattered most. We have just started the season and we will be going past the jinx of never passing the first round," he predicted.
Linford Scurving, coach of Mona, said his team deserved to win.
"We played good football here today and this our fourth season. Mona will be going from strength to strength and with Kemar Rodney leading the charge we will be a force to reckon with."
