Camperdown overcome registration setback

Christopher Bender, head coach of former champions Camperdown, said his team showed plenty of courage and resilience to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bridgeport in their opening ISSA/Manning Cup Group A match at the Dunbeholden field yesterday.

Christopher Herman scored the lone goal in the 86th minute to secure all three points for the east Kingston-based school.

Camperdown were forced to play the match with just 13 players after a mix-up involving the registration of some of their senior players.

Bender said he was delighted with the manner in which his team overcame the difficult circumstances to begin their campaign on a winning note.

“Given the circumstances, it was a very good performance from us,” said Bender. “At half-time, I told them that I am proud of them because we came here with only 13 players, because we had some issues with some of the better players in terms of registration challenges. And so to come here with 13 players, including our reserved goalkeeper, who I had to put on, I am extremely proud of them for this result.”

According to Bender, the absence of the senior players provided an opportunity for others to demonstrate the mentality the coaching staff have been trying to develop.

“That is something that we are trying to instil in them as youngsters because we told them there is no excuse, because we train with these players. So whatever we have, we to use it and don’t think about who is not here,” he stated.

“We were pretty confident that we would have gotten the job done, and so I am just proud of the guys,” he said.

Bender also believes the victory will boost the confidence of his younger players while highlighting the team’s depth.

“This victory will say to them that we have a little depth in terms of the players that played today, it will give them confidence. And overall, it is a good start for us in terms of a competition like this where you need a good a start. It was extremely important to get a start. I think it will help the team going forward,” he said.

Both teams started brightly as they searched for the opening goal, but a strong breeze made it difficult for the players to execute their usual style of play.

The first half ended goalless, but Camperdown created a number of chances early in the second period and continued to apply pressure on the Bridgeport defence.

Their persistence paid off four minutes from full time when Herman arrived in the centre of the box and fired home from close range to hand Camperdown the lead.

Bridgeport were unable to find an equaliser as Camperdown held on for a valuable three points.

Yesterday’s Results

Denham Town 1-2 Edith Dalton James

Norman Manley 9-0 Ardenne

Holy Trinity 2-0 Waterford

Kingston Technical 2-2 Donald Quarrie

Hillel Academy 1-1 Innswood

Penwood 3-0 Clan Carthy