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KC’s Reynolds hails ‘big result’
November 08, 2023
Kingston College (KC) assumed control of their ISSA Manning Cup quarterfinal group after a vital 1-0 win over title favourites St Andrew Technical (STATHS) at the Stadium East field yesterday.
Jaheim McLean netted the all-important goal 18 minutes into the contest to put KC atop Group One, and for winning coach Vassell Reynolds it is a big result.
"It is a big result but we continue to learn and improve. We just want to remain humble and go back to the training ground and continue to work hard and focus and prepare for the next game.
"I thought we beat STATHS at their own game. We knew they were always going to have possession. We just wanted to play very disciplined and give them possession in areas they are not dangerous, and I thought we did that and we countered as soon as we got the ball," Reynolds said.
Kingston College took the lead when McLean was left unmarked in the 18-yard box and slotted past Jaheem Williams in goal.
Both teams created good openings in the first half, with KC getting a few glimpses they could have done better with, while STATHS had a shot that rebounded off the bar and on the line late in the half.
STATHS had most of the possession in the second half and had a few great chances, which they failed to covert.
KC, on the other hand, dropped deep and defended stoutly throughout the period to earn the win.
Major blow
For STATHS coach Philip Williams the defeat was a major blow.
"This is a setback and a disappointment. We enter no game to lose. The quality of football the boys played was encouraging but we turned off one time and we were punished.
"But we pushed KC the entire second half and it was just a matter of better decision making and being more clinical when we got our chances. But we have another game to save our season and to qualify for the semifinals," he said.
By virtue of the win, KC ousted STATHS from the summit with four points, one more than their rivals who won their first group game. Mona are third on two points and St Catherine are at the bottom with one point.
Meanwhile, St George's College and Hydel High share the lead in Group Two with four points each after their 1-1 draw at Ashenheim Stadium. Jamaica College are third with three points after a 2-1 win over Tivoli High, who are without a point.
