Wolmer’s, St George’s in mega clash

ST GEORGE’S College and Wolmer’s will be engaged in a mega clash in the ISSA/FLOW Manning Cup competition Group K today at Constant Spring Complex. Match time is 3 p.m.

The game is the feature in the group’s double-header as Haile Selassie High face-off against St Catherine in the opener at 1 p.m.

The games were originally scheduled for Monday, but was pushed back due to the constant usage of the venue.

Wolmer’s and St George’s come into the game on three points apiece, however, Wolmer’s hold the advantage with a better goal difference.

The game is crucial to both teams as a win for either would put that team into a good position to win the group and advance to the semifinals.

Wolmer’s will be playing their third game in five days, following their 3-0 win against St Catherine High last Thursday and their elimination of Kingston College (1-0) in a FLOW Super Cup quarter-final game last Saturday.

The Vassell Reynoldscoached team has built a reputation for its meagre defence and incisive counterattacks, a threat that their opponents will have to be wary of. St George’s College are coming off a come-frombehind 2-1 win against Haile Selassie in the group last Thursday and are fully aware of the importance of today’s game.

Marcel Gayle, assistance coach of St George’s College is expecting a tough encounter.

“The game can decide the group. It is one of those games that no team can afford to lose,” Gayle told The Gleaner yesterday.

He also said that although Wolmer’s will be playing three games in four days, it could work to the Heroes Circle based team’s advantage.

“Winning can be a momentum for Wolmer’s. We will be prepared and hopefully finish the game with a victory,” he added.

Reynolds, however, has a different outlook, arguing that his team will face a rested St George’s College, which he considers a big challenge.

“We need to win the game to put one foot in the semi-final. We want to put things in our own hands. St George’s is still a favourite as they have a good team. They will be fresh and that is a challenge, but our team is ready for the game,” Reynolds shared.

WELCOMED MOVE

With regards to the game been pushed back, Reynolds said they welcomed that decision.

“We would have been aware of the situation that we had three games in four days. We have been doing what we can in order for the players to recuperate for each game. It is difficult for the schools that are still in the Super Cup with the tight schedule of games,” Reynolds also said.

In the opening game, both teams will look to rebound from their losses last Thursday, and stay in contention for a semi-final spot.

Haile Selassie and St Catherine met in the preliminary stage twice with each team winning 1-0.

It’s left to be seen if the off-the-field issues involving coach Geoffrey Maxwell with whom they parted ways last week will affect Haile Selassie. They are yet to hire a new coach.