WEEKS ago, Denham Town High’s Head Coach Marvin Tate bemoaned the violence hampering the school’s football programme. Today, Tate is more motivated than ever after witnessing the togetherness and determination from his team. Denham Town went down 5-1 to Wolmer’s Boys’ in the ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup on Monday at the Mico University College playfield, with Alex Wright leading the way with a hat-trick.

The defeat is their fourth in as many games and the third time they’ve conceded three or more goals this season.

After their first encounter with Wolmer’s on September 13 Tate made a passionate plea for peace as the violence in the surrounding communities of Denham Town and Tivoli were affecting the team.

However, Tate is now heartened after seeing the efforts of all the stakeholders.

“We have seen some incremental changes, so it’s good. I’ve seen more effort from the school, from the communities, and from the youngsters,” he said. “We’re still fighting — we’re still working hand in hand with the community, the school, and the young men — and I actually think they’re representing themselves well.”

Denham Town at this stage are unlikely to advance to the second round of the competition but Tate says the boys’ attitude, in spite of the challenges, gives him hope for the future.

“To be honest, it doesn’t take much to motivate these guys,” he said. “These guys are intrinsically motivated because they’re actually operating from zero. They don’t have much financial support from anywhere.

“We remember playing during the preseason and most of them found their ways to practice games. Food was an issue also but they continue playing. That indomitable spirit of being together, fighting regardless of what the situation is or whatever is thrown at them, they actually stand up and fight — that’s what keeps me here.”

Wolmer’s Head Coach Jerome Waite was also full of praise for his opponents.

“It wasn’t an easy game, it was very physical. Denham Town have players who can play despite not having a complete team but they really gave it their best today,” he said.

The boys from Heroes’ Circle now boast a perfect record with six wins from six games and have scored 29 goals in the process.

However, Waite isn’t fully satisfied with what he’s seen so far this season.

“I’m not sure how many chances they missed today but the last game, they missed 21 chances. But one of the good things about the Wolmer’s team, we continue to create chances so that’s an area we have to spend time on,” he said.

“It’s always good for the youngsters to be doing well but there’s a lot of room for improvement.”

Monday’s results

•Wolmer’s 5, Denham Town 1

•Eltham 2, Hydel 0

•St Jago 5, St Mary’s College 0

•Tivoli 5, Edith Dalton James 0

Tuesday’s Games

•Mona vs Jonathan Grant @ Mona

•Kingston College vs Penwood @ Stadium East

•Campion College vs Cumberland @ Campion

•Charlie Smith vs Waterford @ Charlie Smith

•St Catherine vs Holy Trinity @Spanish Town Prison Oval

•Camperdown vs Kingston Technical @ Alpha

•Jose Marti vs Meadowbrook @ Jose Marti

•Tarrant vs Gaynstead @ Jacisera Park