JC join STATHS in Manning Cup semis despite defeat

Daniel Wheeler, Gleaner Writer

Despite losing 2-1 to St Andrew Technical High (STATHS) in their final ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup Group H match at Stadium East, many time champions Jamaica College (JC) advanced to the semi-finals of the competition.

The Dark Blues had the fortune of the other Group H finale between St George's College and Excelsior High at Jamaica College ending in a 1-1.

The result meant that JC, Excelsior and St George's all finished on 2 points, but Jamaica College advanced by having a better goal difference.

JC ended with a -1 goal difference, while St George's finished with a -2 goal difference and Excelsior, -4.

At Stadium East, Romario Campbell fired STATHS in the lead in the 11th minute but JC's Phillon Lawrence found the equaliser seven minutes later in front of a largely JC-dominated crowd. 

STATHS' Mikel Riley, however, found what would prove to be the winner in the 35th minute to secure the win and close the group in style for the  2017 finalists.

STANDINGS

Rank Teams Pts GP W D L GF GA GD 
1 STATHS 9 3 3 0 0 9 2 7
2 Jamaica College 2 3 0 2 1 2 3 -1
3 St. George’s College 2 3 0 2 1 3 5 -2
4 Excelsior 2 3 0 2 1 1 5 -4