Scarlett satisfied as Munro win daCosta Cup opener

Despite taking some time to settle into their rhythm in the season opener, Munro College’s coach Everdean Scarlett said his players eventually found their identity and established the brand of football they intend to play throughout the competition.
Seven-time champions Munro launched their Zone D ISSA daCosta Cup campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Lacovia High at the Lacovia playing field on Saturday.
“It’s the first game of the season and we just approached the game not wanting to lose. We started off slow but, eventually, we got our foot on the ball and started playing our style of football,” said Scarlett, who is a second-year coach at Munro.
“We got three goals in the first half, which we were grateful for. Even though we conceded one … but, in the second half, I just asked the guys to try to keep a clean sheet and win the game,” added Scarlett.
Munro’s Izion Fraser opened the scoring in the 19th minute. But the home team pulled one back to level when Omoy Cunningham struck in the 32nd minute from the penalty spot. 
However, Munro’s Fraser completed his brace in the 44th to double the lead, before Denelson Dunkley scored an own goal in added time to give Munro a 3-1 lead before half-time. In the 76th minute, Jacquan Mitchell sealed the win for Munro with a powerful strike.
The result leaves Munro tied with B.B. Coke High on three points, but B.B. Coke are ahead with a superior goal difference, after defeating DeCarteret High 4-0.
The victory provides an encouraging start for Munro, who have dedicated their campaign to the memory of their late teammate Kamal Reynolds.
“We will dedicate the season towards Kamal, and the guys have that in their minds. They started the game on Saturday in honour and I think they went out and played like true champions,” said Scarlett.
Strong warning
Meanwhile, former champions Rusea’s High sent a strong warning, crushing Little London High School 8-0 at the Little London playing field, in their opener.
Rusea’s wasted little time stamping their authority in Zone B, racing to a commanding lead before half-time and continuing their assault after the break to secure all three points.
An own goal from Little London’s Carletto Cole opened the floodgates in the sixth minute, before Maliek Headed (8th), Michael Fogah (20th, 22nd), Tyrick Allison (40th), Omarion Jemmison (48th, 52nd) and Xavier Bourne (62nd) joined the scoring spree.
Victory puts the 11-time champions at the top of Zone B with three points, while Little London remain at the bottom without a point.
Rusea’s coach Giovanni Parkins highlighted specific technical areas for development.
“I think transition is one of the most important things that we need to work on; how to defend after losing the ball. Finishing is also something we will be working on,” said Parkins.
“We saw most of what we would have wanted to see in the first game. However, it’s still far from perfection, but we are getting there slowly but surely,” added Parkins.
Newcomers overwhelmed
In St Ann, Brown’s Town High overwhelmed newcomers Walkerswood Academy 20-0 to set the tone early in the competition and, in another high-scoring encounter, Marcus Garvey thumped Discovery Bay 10-1.
The ISSA daCosta Cup resumes on Tuesday.

Saturday’s Results:
Discovery Bay 1 Marcus Garvey 10
Green Pond 0 Irwin 4
Walkerswood Academy 0 Brown’s Town 20
Knockalva 3 Green Island 1
Cross Keys 6 Winston Jones 0
Alston 0 Alphansus Davis 4
Morant Bay 2 Happy Grove 3
Yallahs 2 Paul Bogle 1
Lacovia 1 Munro 4
Little London 0 Rusea’s 8
Spot Valley 2 Cambridge 2
Belair 0 Black River 1
Foga Road 0 Vere Tech 0
Porus 1 Bellfield 1
Fair Prospect 1 Robert Lightbourne 3
Muschett 0 Herbert Morrison 3
Cedric Titus 1 Ferncourt 2
Knox College 1 Edwin Allen 1
DNP - Grange Hill vs Frome