Paul-Andre Walker, Staff Reporter
NORMAN MANLEY had to come from behind to earn a 2-1 victory over Penwood in ISSA/Pepsi/JN Manning Cup action at the Molynes Sports Centre yesterday.
The Maxfield Park school was saved by a 75th minute strike from its captain, Andre Fagan, and then lifted by a beautiful goal from Kenrick Brown in the 78th.
Earlier, Penwood's captain, Jahmali Spence, had given the home team a 40th minute advantage that they didn't look like relinquishing.
The game, rescheduled from September 17, gave Norman Manley leadership of Group C with 12 points. St. Andrew Technical follow closely behind with 10 points from their five games.
Initially, Norman Manley looked the better team and set to the task of breaking down the Penwood unit.
STOOD UP WELL
However, Penwood stood up well in the face of less than convincing attacking from Norman Manley who were relegated to shots from outside the area.
Penwood were getting their chances too. With the first half coming to a close, Penwood made good on an opportunity which came from their goalkeeper's clearance.
The long clearance that was forced because Norman Manley's attackers had swarmed down on a lobbed pass from midfield, fell kindly for Spence, who drove a fierce left footer from 28 yards that had Wayne Walker flailing to no avail as the ball nestled snugly into the bottom right-hand corner of the goal.
Norman Manley attacked more fervently but Penwood looked resolute until Spence made an ill-advised challenge that saw him being shown the red card.
AT SEA
With their captain gone, Penwood were all at sea defending against Fagan, who made delightful dribbles, leaving defenders in his wake at will.
His most telling one came when he turned up on the left side of the field and dribbled inside before firing a right footer just inside the far post.
Manley got the winner very soon after as beleaguered Penwood were broken down by another of Fagan's dribbles. This time the wily forward hit the right upright with his effort. The scrambled clearance was pounced upon by Brown, who let fly a 30-yard drive that had a wicked dip to it.
YESTERDAY'S RESULTS
Penwood 1 Norman Manley 2
TODAY'S GAMES
Group F
Ascot vs. St. Catherine
Donald Quarrie vs. Wolmer's
