STATHS snap Vauxhall’s win streak

IN ONE of the more anticipated clashes in Zone C of the ISSA/WATA Manning Cup competition, St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) handed fast-rising Vauxhall High their first defeat of the season with a 2-1 win yesterday at STATHS’ school field.

STATHS returned to winning ways in the first round of the competition following a scoreless draw against Jamaica College (JC) in their previous outing.

Kennardo Gordon opened the scoring for the home team in the 51st minute before Justin Johnson secured all three points with his strike in the 65th.

Jethorn Jones’ equaliser in the 56th minute would prove to be a consolation effort for Vauxhall at the end of a tightly contested affair.

Phillip Williams, head coach of STATHS, praised his players for a ‘solid performance’ but said their failure to convert several of their chances made the game closer than it needed to be.

“It was a very solid performance,” Williams said. “I think we came up against a good Vauxhall team, and we controlled the game against a good team and created a number of chances in the first half.

“Unfortunately, we did not convert those chances, and that caused the game to be as tight as it was. But we kept our composure, and we found two goals in the end.”

The first half was a forgettable performance from both teams as much of the period was spent settling into their patterns of play, which resulted in mostly half-chances that came to nought.

STATHS, however, would come to life in the second half, finding the opener just six minutes after the restart.

Receiving the ball outside of the box, Gordon would let fly, but his initial shot, though on target, benefited from a deflection that left goalkeeper Javier Coke wrong-footed.

Their lead would last only five minutes as a goalkeeping error opened the door for Vauxhall to pull level.

A free kick effort from Jones should have been a routine save for STATHS goalkeeper Jaheime Gray, but it all went wrong as the ball bobbled between his legs and rolled unceremoniously into the net.

Johnson would restore STATHS’ lead soon after.

A corner was first headed onto the bar by defender Keeno Levy before a follow-up effort was pushed off the line by goalkeeper Coke ­- the parry only going as far as Johnson, who, with an empty net at his mercy, made no mistake.

The game would end in controversy, however, as in time added, STATHS were initially awarded a penalty for a handled ball in the box before it was overturned after the referee consulted with his assistant.

The win sees STATHS move into second place in Zone C with 16 points, tied with group leaders JC, who hold the advantage with a greater goal difference.

Vauxhall, on the other hand, now sit third in the group with 15 points.

Also in Zone C action, JC ran riot over Spanish Town High in a 17-0 demolition as they also returned to winning ways.

In Zone A action, Excelsior and St Jago played out a scoreless draw in a top-of-the-table clash while St George’s College (STGC) showed little mercy, hammering Gaynstead 22-0.

Over in Zone E, Mona maintained their perfect start to the season, turning back Dunoon Park 2-1 while Calabar added their sixth win in a row, downing Hillel 8-1.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com

Yesterday’s results

Excelsior 0-0 St Jago

Hydel 3-1 Jonathan Grant

St George’s College 22-0 Gaynstead

St Andrew Technical 2-1 Vauxhall

Jamaica College 17-0 Spanish Town

Eltham 9-0 Innswood

St Catherine 3-1 Norman Manley

Campion College 2-0 Clan Carthy

Calabar 8-1 Hillel

Mona 2-1 Dunoon Park