Champions again!
THERE was pandemonium at the National Stadium on Saturday as fans of the North Street-based St George’s College celebrated their second straight lien on the coveted Manning Cup trophy after beating Bridgeport High.
Being forced to come from behind twice, the Neville Bell-coached boys seemed to borrow the motto of their North Street neighbours and refused to yield as they fell.
The competition’s leading goalscorer, Bridgeport’s Darren Mattocks, turned provider for his team on Saturday as his two assists either side of the half-time break helped his team to take the lead. His 19th-minute cross from the left flank found fellow senior player in Kenrick Preston who did not disappoint. Returning in the 48th, his pass again asked questions of the St George’s defence when Jamiel Hardware broke free of his defender to latch on from close range.
Not to be outdone, the competition’s MVP, Marvin Morgan proved that not only is talent hereditary but also that it can magnify through generations. Morgan, the grandson of former Cornwall College standout Respite Morgan, was responsible for the George’s comeback with two equalising goals to constantly keep his team in the game.
His first goal came in the 23rd minute when he fired off a 25-yard bullet. He again responded in his team’s time of need with a sublime piece of football at the top of the penalty box in the 64th minute. After collecting the ball and turning his defender at the edge of the box, Morgan proceeded to let loose a masterful curling shot into the upper right corner of the Bridgeport goal.
With the score tied after full and the first half of added extra time, the Georgians got their break. An attempted cross from their top-scorer MaCauley Tulloch was met by the hand of Omar Thompson in the box. Tulloch, the former Kingston College frontman, duly obliged the baby blue-clad fans’ chants for a goal with a typically powerful shot from the spot.
Lauded as a composed unit by Bell, the boys from North Street proved without a doubt that they were the best team this season and look sure to be building a dynasty. They will now be awaiting the winner of STETHS vs Manchester High match on Saturday for their opponents in the all-island Olivier Shield.