JAMAICA College made a business-like start to the defence of their ISSA/Flow Super Cup title and staked their claim for further success with two early goals against Vere Technical at the National Stadium on Saturday.

They failed, however, to press home the early advantage, while playing in the feature game of a double-header, but ended winning a close 2-1 to book their spot in the quarter-final round of the competition. In the opening game, St Jago stopped Lacovia 3-1 to advance.

Showing that winning intent normally demonstrated by intended repeaters, JC struck within the first 15 minutes. Tyreek MaGee and Donovan Dawkins scored two wonderful goals that gave the Old Hope Road boys the opening start they sought to begin the defence of the ISSA/Flow Super Cup title.

The first goal was struck from some distance by MaGee in the 11th minute which was particularly delightful.

Encouraged by the spectacular opening success, three minutes later Dawkins was clinical in putting the defending champions two goals up. The early success did not prevent JC from going in search of more success. However, pricked by the early setback, Vere Technical changed gear and began to look assertive in their approach, and at times matched their opponents in industry by defending and attacking with purpose. On 35 minutes, they were rewarded after Shandel Senior beat Jahmarti Waite to reduce the deficit and took the teams to the break with the score at 2-1 in favour of the defending champions.

The narrowness of the scoreline, plus Vere Technical’s threatening posture, did not sit well with JC and they returned for the second session by throwing everything at their rivals.

However, first-half hero Dawkins turned villain as he contrived to miss several golden chances that prevented JC from extending their lead. JC — showing more urgency by moving the ball around and creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities — held on for the 2-1 win.

— Hurbun Williams