Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer
St. George's College's Christopher Johnson (left) and Waterford's Keibion Wright tussle for the ball during their Pepsi/JN Manning Cup match at Winchester Park yesterday.The game ended 0-0. - RICARDO MAKYN/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
WATERFORD ADVANCED to the quarter-final round of the Pepsi/JN Manning Cup football competition, despite playing to a goalless draw with St. George's College at Winchester Park yesterday.
The point pushed Waterford to 14, two behind Tivoli (16) who had already qualified before yesterday's 4-0 win over Edith Dalton James at Baldwin Crescent.
Jermaine Allen, who scored a hat-trick on Saturday, returned yesterday to hit a brace for Tivoli. Michael Spence and Winston Harris got Tivoli's other goals.
In the Winchester Park clash, though no goals were scored, both Waterford and St. George's, who were well-supported by their fans who beat drums and waved flags, had some good chances to strike.
St. George's best chance came when a well-directed low cross from the boot of Aaron Spence was fired in from the right for 'super sub' Kemal Malcolm, who could not get a foot on to the ball.
Later in the second half, Waterford's best opportunity came when Taj Russell opted to pass instead of shooting on goal. Though the pass was a good one to Ricardo Bedward, he made a mess of the chance inside the six-yard box, kicking high instead of along the ground.
A few other chances could have turned into goals, especially a header from St. George's Leonard Walker, which Waterford's 'keeper Peter Harrison had some problems controlling.
St. George's goalkeeper Jabari Wallace was also called on to make two very good saves, both shots from the boot of Conrod White, who tormented his opponents.
Waterford's coach, Everton James, said the draw was like a victory for his boys.
"We knew if we came here and got a point, then everything would be okay," James said.
He said his plan coming into the game was to pressure his opponents.
"Don't allow St. George's to score and play them on the counter," he said.
St. George's coach Neville 'Bertis' Bell congratulated Tivoli and Waterford.
"They came out of this group and we wish them good luck," Bell said.
He said his team should have won the game but failing to score let them down.
"We got the chances to score and we didn't score ... I think we got more of the football than Waterford but we didn't score and when you don't score, you are not going to win," Bell said.
YESTERDAY'S RESULTS
Waterford 0 St. George's 0
Tivoli 4 Edith Dalton James 0
