KC edge Mona 2-1 again to open Manning Cup quarter- final group with win

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Walker Cup champions Kingston College (KC) made a significant step toward the Manning Cup semi-final with a 2-1 win over Mona High in their opening Group B encounter at Stadium East on Monday.

KC's Ryland Fray-Campbell gave KC the lead with a sumptuous left-footed strike in the second minute.

Three minutes later Deshawn Byfield missed a sitter and in the 7th minute he got the ball in the back of the net but was called back by the referee who cited a foul.

Then in the 17th minute Mona High made KC pay, equalising in the 17th minute courtesy of  K'Vonte  Phipps who slotted home after goalkeeper Junior Lawman failed to hold onto a rasping drive from Sean Leighton.

The game was changed in the 26th minute when Jermaine Morgan picked up his second yellow card and was given his marching orders.

Although KC failed to really capitalise with the extra man, they found the winner from the penalty spot after Fray-Campbell was fouled in the box.  Substitute Rodney Grandstand converted in minute 51 as KC regained the lead which they held to the end.

Leighton had a glorious chance to earn a point for Mona from the penalty spot but his effort crashed against the upright and rebounded into play.

Mona did well with 10 men and pushed for the equalising goal while KC, playing the patient game, also missed some chances to win emphatically and should be grateful for the three points after failing to make use of the extra man.

Winning coach Jermaine Miller was happy for the three points in what is a very difficult group.

"We knew it would be a difficult game, however, we came off to a really good start which we really wanted. After taking the lead I thought we got numerous opportunities to put the game away and we just made it difficult for ourselves," said Miller.

It was the second time this season KC were getting the better of Mona having beaten them in the Walker Cup final by the same score.

Mona's coach, Craig Butler, praised his team's resilience while noting that they got their chances and could have gotten a positive result.