Kingston College (KC) underlined their title credentials with a 4-0 thumping of arch-rivals Calabar High in their Group B ISSA Digicel Manning Cup match at Red Hills Road yesterday.

What was supposed to be a battle royal between two fierce rivals never materialised as KC showed that they were miles ahead in a most one-sided contest.

Two goals by substitute Dwayne “Busy” Atkinson in the 77th and 81st minutes, Oneeko Allen (45th) and Trayvon Reid (50th) silenced the home fans.

KC, following 8-0 and 5-0 wins over Dunoon Technical and Clan Carthy High, respectively, were winning their third consecutive match and moved to nine points while scoring 17 goals without conceding.

Mona High consolidated second spot with nine points following their 1-0 win over Clan Carthy High, while Calabar remained in third spot with three points from three games. Dunoon Technical whipped Ardenne High 4-0 for their first win and moved to three points.

Oneeko Allen benefited from a smart, quick throw that left the Calabar backline flat-footed and side-footed home on the stroke of half-time for his fifth goal in three games.

Then the skilful Reid latched on to a through pass and doubled the score in the 50th minute, calmly lifting the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper Ronaldinho Small.

KC came out in the second half full of running as Allen, Reid, Nathon Thomas, Ronaldo Robinson, and captain Casseam Priestly moved the ball around nicely, at times, toying with their opponents in a training session-type arrogance.

The stage was then set for the dangerous Atkinson to strut his stuff as he came on midway the second half and immediately his impact was felt. The speedy player grabbed two goals in four minutes for his third goal of the season from two games.

Winning coach Ludlow Bernard said his team’s slow start was a concern, but said the players picked up the pace in the second half and finished with a flourish.

“I think we were a little bit too cagey going forward and tried to dribble, but the rain could have an impact on that. So we got the boys to pass the ball more and I was most pleased with the second-half response,” said Bernard.

Meanwhile, David Lalor, coach of Calabar, said KC showed that his team has a lot of work to do, despite doing well in the first half.

“This is not the result we were looking for, but we know now exactly how to fix things. It’s a good assessment as it relates to Manning Cup because KC is one of the better teams, and this showed me where we at now,” said Lalor.