Dad attacks player for tackling his son

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

The newly crowned Walker Cup and the reigning Manning Cup champions got off to winning ways, as the second round of the ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel Manning Cup senior schoolboy football competition kicked off yesterday with a double-header at Constant Spring Complex.

Jamaica College, who celebrated their first lien last Saturday, secured a 2-1 win over Calabar High, courtesy of goals from Andre Messam (31st minute) and Ashani Walker (92nd). Calabar's goal was scored by Kyle Scott (51st).

"I am very disappointed," noted Calabar's coach, Alrick Clarke, of the goal at the death that led to their defeat. "We expected this, they are the champions of the Walker Cup and we knew they were coming at us but we gave up a very soft goal."

Comfortable win

In the other game, St George's, who are seeking to defend their title, were more comfortable in their 3-1 win over Wolmer's. Deshawn Forbes (33rd), Romario Jones (50th) and Marvin Morgan (53rd) scored for St George's. Wolmer's Christopher Waugh (23rd) netted the game's opening goal.

The first game of the double-header saw Calabar and JC do battle in a competitive and physical game.

The match was, however, marred by an ugly incident in the 62nd minute.

Calabar's Chevonne Marsh was tackled by JC's Necas Collins close to the touchline. Marsh's father took offence to the tackle and raced on to the field and poked Collins in the face.

The father was quickly pulled from the field by a plain-clothes police officer.

"I think the person running on to the field was disgraceful and I don't support such behaviour," said Clarke.

The game had seen two outstanding goals before the incident occurred.

JC took the lead in the 31st minute, courtesy of an outrageous goal from Messam. He spotted the keeper off the line and produced an audacious chip with the outside of his left foot from near 35 yards out.

Scott's equaliser for Calabar in the 51st minute was a beauty, he started a lovely build-up and finished it with a fading header.

JC found the winner two minutes into stoppage time through Walker, who kept his composure to secure his team's win.

JC's coach, Alfred Henry, was naturally upset over the incident, which saw one of his players being struck.

"I am delighted but at the same time frustrated because I am not too happy with the way football is administrated in Jamaica," Henry said. "Here we are playing like a corner league and these are future national players, the top schoolboy football competition in the island and we can't even protect our players."