Latest News
No goal conceded, but Manning’s working hard to strengthen defence
October 06, 2025
STEAMY HOT The Manning's School have been on a scoring rampage, blasting in 43 goals while cruising into the round of 32 unbeaten, and not conceding any goals.
In their latest game, on Saturday, Zone D's Manning's had another convincing win, 4-0 over Black River High at Black River High School.
The goals came from Kajaye Williams in the eighth minute, Jarvis Mayler (37th, pen.), Jodan Gray (52nd) and Dainton Williams (62nd).
Manning's lead with 21 points, with Petersfield High second on 15 points also advancing to the second round. Black River are third on 10 points, Lewisville fourth on four points and Little London on three points.
Following his team's impressive run, assistant coach Kevin Williams emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong defensive performance overall.
"When you are playing competitions, especially in football, you don't want to concede. If you don't concede, you are guaranteed not to lose, so every game that is the objective," Williams said, noting that was the mindset coming into the season.
"Having a strong goalkeeper and a strong all-round defensive performance was discussed. Fortunately for us so far it is going well," added Williams.
Last season, Manning's started strong in the first round, but were booted out of the second round by Ben Francis KO Cup champions, St Elizabeth Technical High School.
Still dreading the disappointment of an early exit, Williams said the team aims to advance round by round.
"Of course, it will play in the back of our minds that we fell short. The boys were ages 16 and 17 last year, this year they are more mature and showing it in the way they play and in their behaviour."
Continuing, he said, "We hold them to a high standard of discipline. It is showing in the game, hence the performance so far. With that in place, our expectation is to try and go all the way, as far as it takes us," Williams added, noting the team only lost two players from last season.
Despite their success, Williams says they remain cautious and focused on taking each game at a time in the second round.
"Teams that are going into the second round are teams that have been doing well. Despite the fact that we have not conceded, we are not underestimating any of our opponents going into the second round," said Williams.
"We have to put our plans in place and what the boys practise they will put it into matches. Once they do what we ask them, we will do well enough to go to the next round," added Williams.
Manning's will host Petersfield in their return and final first round match on Wednesday, October 8, at The Manning's School in Westmoreland at 3:30 p.m.
