A brilliant strike from substitute Jordan Turner powered Manning’s School into the semi-finals of the ISSA Ben Francis Cup knockout competition, helping his team rally to a 2–1 victory over Christiana High at Manchester High playing field yesterday.
Manning’s will join Cornwall College, McGrath, and Clarendon College, who also won yesterday in the semi-finals tomorrow.
While the encounter was thrilling throughout, it wasnt until the second half before Christiana’s Amanie Hibbert opened the scoring in the 62nd minute, creating jitters for the eventual winners
It wasn’t until the 87th minute that Manning’s Kajaye Williams restored parity, and with the game almost at an end, Turner (90+), a substitute, hammered home a free kick to send Manning’s into the final four.
Patrick Graham, coach of Manning’s, said his team showed grit to come away with the win.
“The team showed character today. A goal down, to come back and eventually win the game is a great feeling,” said Graham.
“We would have done some work coming into this game, and it is good to see the work we put in manifest itself today,” he added.
The result was even more sweet for Turner, who said he was focused on helping his team.
“All that was on my mind was to go out there and help my team secure the victory. We just need to focus on the games remaining. The aim is to reach to the final and lift the trophy,” said Turner.
“I came on from the bench and told myself I had to be special, and the rest is history,” he added.
Meanwhile, Declan Thomas, coach of Christiana, said his team gave away too many chances.
“In the latter part of the game, we gave away chances, and it cost us the game. Overall though, it was a very good game and I am proud of our boys,” said Thomas.
“It was a good season, but I am disappointed how it ended. The boys really put in a lot of work though I was hoping it could have been better,” added Thomas.
In the day’s other games, Cornwall edged Manchester High 4-2 on penalties after rallying to force a 1-1 draw while former champions McGrath hammered Ocho Rios High 4-1, and Clarendon College beat Garvey Maceo 1-0.
Ashley Anguin
Yesterday’s games
Cornwall 1-1 Manchester (4-2) Penalties
Christiana 1- 2 Manning’s
McGrath 4-1 Ocho Rios
Clarendon 1-0 Garvey
