Holy Trinity High turned in a lacklustre display but still managed to defeat Dinthill High 4-2 on penalties after battling to a 0-0 draw in their ISSA Champions Cup match at the Stadium East field yesterday.

Holy Trinity, who went to the inaugural final in 2014, advanced to the quarter-finals on a day when, up to press time, three other urban teams had won.

Camperdown High defeated Frome Technical 1-0 and St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) turned back Manchester High on penalties to continue the dominance of Corporate Area teams in this competition.

But things could have been much different as daCosta Cup semi-finalists Dinthill missed a glorious chance to break the deadlock in the 75th minute.

A right-sided cross inside the six-yard box eluded Holy Trinity goalkeeper Kevaughn Ricketts, but both Dinthill attackers Martin Beech and Roja Layne miskicked in front of an empty goal.

That was the last real chance in a dull encounter between two teams lacking verve, as the game ended 0-0 in normal time and headed straight to the dreaded penalty kicks.

Dinthill’s Martin Beech and Oneil Small scored their first two kicks, but star player Tevin Cheese kicked high and Tyquendo Wedderburn’s shot was easily blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.

In contrast, Holy Trinity were perfect from spot netting all four kicks as Phillon Lawrence, Carlington Blackwood, Noel Bunsie and Dante Green scored with the ease.

Despite being outnumbered by the vuvuzuela blowing Dinthill fans, Holy Trinity had the last laugh and the players ran to their small band of followers to celebrate.

Winning coach Devon Anderson was happy as his team remained on course of a trophy after being eliminated at the quarter-final stage of the Manning Cup.

“I am elated for the kids. It has been a roller-coaster season, so congrats to them as they went out there and did their best,” said Anderson.

“But it was a lacklustre performance from us [as] we created few opportunities and never really went out there and became the dominant force we were earlier in the season,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dinthill coach Xavier Gilbert was not available for comment as he raced off to attend the JFF Women’s League final involving his team Waterhouse and Cavalier.

At press time, Jamaica College were facing Mile Gully in the Stadium East field double-header.

— Howard Walker