Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter
Mona High's Jermaine Malcolm looks to control the ball while being pressured by Excelsior High's Davian Mckoy in action from their ISSA Pepsi/Jamaica National Group A encounter on Tuesday at the Mona High field. The game ended 1-1. - CARLINGTON WILMOT/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
A LATE strike by Mona's Prince Shand robbed defending champions Excelsior of what seemed to be a sure three points and rescued a 1-1 draw for his team as play in Group A of the ISSA Pepsi/ Jamaica National Manning Cup continued on Tuesday at the Mona High field.
The match got off to a patchy start and the early going saw very limited goalmouth action as inaccurate passes and a general lack of creativity in the final third made things easy for the defenders on both teams.
However, it was the visitors who took the initiative as half-time approached.
In the 37th minute, first-half substitute Alanzo Adlam took advantage of an easy goal line opportunity to put his team ahead. He headed in an attempt from striker Carl Richards who beat Mona goalkeeper Ron Graham to a ball which he headed over to bounce temptingly in front of goal.
Trailing at the start of the second half the Mona team came out determined to equalise. They looked to have it five minutes in but a weak header by Jermaine Malcolm, though beating the goalkeeper, was cleared off the line by Excelsior captain Davian Mckoy.
A few minutes later, Excelsior goalkeeper Chevon Bowen spilled a corner but once again the shot, this time by Choy Spence, was cleared off the line. But just when it seemed as if it was not going to be Mona's day, Shand latched on to another missed shot attempt by Spence and turned to rocket the ball past goalkeeper Bowen bringing his team level in the 87th minute.
But there was late drama when Excelsior's Akiem Nelson broke through on goal in injury time and found the back of the net, causing the Excelsior team and fans to erupt in celebration. The only problem was that the ball had first gone over the crossbar before landing there. Last year's Cup winner are yet to notch a win for the new season as they now have two points from two games.
TODAY'S GAMES
Group B
Tarrant High vs. Charlie Smith
Group F
St. Catherine vs Innswood
Ascot vs. Spanish Town.
