Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Excelsior's Richardo Scott controls the ball ahead of Waterford's captain Anthony Stitchell during thier ISSA/Pepsi/JN Manning Cup match yesterday at Excelsior playing field. The game ended 1-1. At right is Excelsior's Carl Richards. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

HOSTS Excelsior High were held to a 1-1 draw by Waterford in their opening game of the 2006 ISSA/Pepsi/ JN Manning Cup football match yesterday.

Both teams squandered clear scoring opportunities early. Excelsior's Jermaine Parris' close range shot was denied by the crossbar while his team-mate Dasean Meek had his attempt saved by goalkeeper Peter Harris.

Waterford's Conrad White got his team's best scoring chance but saw his deflected left footed shot going wide of the target.

Excelsior dominated the second half but found themselves trailing in the 58th minute when Waterford's Odain Martin was brought down in the box. White stepped up and buried the penalty to put his team in front.

Lebert Halliman, coach of Excelsior, was forced to make two quick substitutions and they quickly paid dividends. In the 80th minute, Alanzo Adlam found the equaliser with a long range free-kick which took a huge deflection which eluded Waterford's custodian Harrison and into the back of the net.

AT ST. CATHERINE HIGH

An Andre McIntosh goal carried Innswood High School to a 1-0 victory over St. Catherine High in their Zone C encounter.

Innswood got the winner in the 30th minute of play. A combination between Roshaun Henry and McIntosh, resulted in the latter hitting the back of the net with a header.

The first half ended with Innswood having the better of play and looking more purposeful from several combinations among Kerry Reid, Andre Williams and McIntosh.

On the resumption St. Catherine tried to rally with coach Michael Small making several changes but faulty finishing combined with stout defending by Byron Sweeny of Innswood denied them until the final whistle.

Coach Milford Thomas of Innswood was full of praise for his players.

"We played the better brand of football and moreover several of our players from last year such as Sheldon McKay, McIntosh, Reid, and our goalkeeper helped us to have continuity in the programme," he said.