Ian Allen

Officials and players of Charlie Smith team walk off the field after their Inter-Secondary School Sports Association (ISSA)/LIME Manning Cup match against Norman Manley High, at the Spanish Town Prison Oval was called off because of a waterlogged field.

MARC STAMP, STAR Writer

Innswood High had a come-from-behind 3-1 win against Vauxhall High to take the lead in Group I of the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/LIME Manning Cup at the Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday.

The Innswood team shot to the top of the group on four points from two games, courtesy of goals from Dale Hinds in the 32nd minute, Shawn Beckford (74th) and Akeem Gibbons (90+). Jamel Stewart gave Vauxhall the lead in the 23rd minute.

The feature game of the double-header between former champions Charlie Smith and Norman Manley was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

In the early game that was played in rainy conditions, both teams struggled on the soggy surface that made good football difficult. Vauxhall took the lead, but Innswood rallied for an important win.

three points

Coach of Innswood, Christopher Russell, was very elated for the win.

"It was 3-1, well, actually I wanted 6-1. It could go down to goal difference, but I'm happy for the three points," Russell told STAR Sports.

"The conditions weren't the best. We went behind for the ninth time this season and it is not a trend I like. However, the team showed resilience," Russell added.

Meanwhile, Vauxhall's coach, Keon Broderick, blamed the conditions.

"The performance of the team was affected by the conditions. The luck of the draw went to Innswood. We still have a chance with one game remaining," Broderick said.

Innswood are in pole position for a semi-final spot on four points, closely followed by Vauxhall (three), Charlie Smith (one) and Norman Manley without a point.