Ten-man Clarendon survive stern Manchester test

Defending champions Clarendon College survived a fiery encounter and a late eruption of tempers to edge Manchester High 2-1 and advance to the semi-finals of the ISSA Ben Francis Cup knockout competition yesterday.

The ill-tempered quarter-final clash at Manchester High produced 10 yellow cards and a red card before security personnel were called in to quell tensions following the final whistle.

Clarendon, who are seeking to retain their title and secure back-to-back championships, will face Denbigh High in the semi-finals after Justin Hayles and Jahiem Senior found the back of the net.

Clarendon coach Devon Anderson described the contest as a “dog fight”, acknowledging the difficulties of securing a result away from home.

“We came here and knew it wouldn’t be easy. It was a hard-fought game. Once it is an away game, you have home spectators and men on the sideline. We had a few of us but, nevertheless, it was a dog fight,” said Anderson.

He added that, despite what he perceived as challenging circumstances, the team remained focused on getting the job done.

“It was more challenging than expected because somehow they were going against us rapid. Nevertheless, we put on a Clarendon College performance out here and were victorious in the end,” he added.

Meanwhile, Manchester coach Johnoy Chambers lamented the ugly conclusion to the encounter, expressing disappointment with the conduct of some adults and calling on his players to move beyond the experience.

“I think the game ended really ugly. That’s not something that Manchester High is known for. Some incidents whereby the adults were very disrespectful and distasteful. But, you know, we go again,” said Chambers.

Despite the disappointment, Chambers praised his players for their effort and said he felt they had managed the contest well after conceding the opening goal.

“We managed the game well after their number 10 scored and we were able to equalise. We did what we could. We’re very unfortunate in front of goal, and that’s how football is sometimes. But I can’t fault the players; they gave it their heart,” he added.

Hayles broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute after weaving past several Manchester defenders before firing home to give the visitors the advantage.

Manchester responded after the break, with Jahleel McKenzie finding the equaliser in the 51st minute to bring the home crowd to life.

The contest took another turn when Hayles was sent off for unsportsmanlike conduct, leaving Clarendon with 10 men.

Despite being reduced in numbers, Clarendon regained the lead in the 65th minute when Senior curled a free kick into the net to seal the victory.

Manchester pressed desperately for another equaliser, but Clarendon’s defensive resilience and a series of crucial interventions preserved their advantage.

Yesterday’s Results

Manchester 1-2 Clarendon

Munro 1-2 Denbigh

Old Harbour 0-4 Dinthill

Glenmuir 4-0 McGrath