Reynolds happy with KC’s start

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Kingston College (KC) began their ISSA/WATA Manning Cup title defence with a convincing 3-0 win over Charlie Smith at Stadium East yesterday, thanks to a strong second-half display.

KC were led to victory by Shareef Ricketts’ double in the 75th and 84th minutes, and Deshawn Byfield’s opening goal in the 58th.

After a goalless but entertaining first half, KC broke the deadlock in the 58th minute when Byfield latched onto a pass out of midfield and unleashed a powerful right-footed strike past goalkeeper Andre Bogle.

The Purples doubled their advantage in the 75th minute after Byfield was brought down inside the 18-yard box. Ricketts calmly converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-0. Nine minutes later, Ricketts struck again, slotting home his second penalty to seal the 3-0 victory.

Charlie Smith, however, will rue missed opportunities in the first half. George Pringle came closest to giving them the lead but spurned two clear chances, first dragging a 12-yard effort wide in the 16th minute and then blasting over from point-blank range just five minutes later. KC also had their moments with Kajay Fletcher forcing a save from Bogle.

In the closing minutes, Charlie Smith’s Kevin Howell nearly pulled a goal back, but his 10-yard effort went wide.

KC’s head coach, Vassell Reynolds, was pleased with the way his team grew into the contest.

“I thought it was a decent effort, but we didn’t expect it to be perfect since it is the first game. We have done a lot throughout the preseason and we knew we could rely on that to get us through. It’s the first game and so we will accept this performance because three points was essential for us,” Reynolds said.

Meanwhile, Charlie Smith’s coach, Eugene Williams, lamented his team’s missed chances but remained optimistic.

“The game is played in two halves, and, when you get your chances and you don’t put them away, then you can’t blame anybody but yourself. We created at least four clear chances in the first half but we failed to find the back of the net. However, I think it was a good performance from us and we will get better as the season progresses,” Williams said.