Ocho Rios, Porus lead goal rush

Ocho Rios High and Porus High wasted little time making their intentions clear, cruising to emphatic victories in yesterday’s opening round of the ISSA Ben Francis KO competition at the Drax Hall Sports Complex.

Ocho Rios demolished Little London High 9-0, while Porus overpowered Ferncourt 5-2 to book their places in the next round.

Keneil Phillpotts scored a hat trick and Tyrese Davis and Omani Johnson got a goal each for Porus.

Phillpotts got Porus off to a flying start with goals in the 19th and 32nd minutes before completing his hat trick in the 49th. Ferncourt fought back through a brace from Royan Chambers in the 51st and 54th minutes to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

However, Porus regained control as Davis restored their two-goal lead in the 72nd minute before Johnson put the result beyond doubt with an 89th-minute strike.

Porus coach Marlon Muschett admitted his team still has work to do when it comes to managing matches after taking control.

“We are one of those teams who got 20-love in the past, and so it’s like we need to start winning more convincingly. We were up 3-0, there is no way they should have come back to 3-2,” said Muschett.

“We’re just not ready to put away a team and keep them down. So we need to work on that. But overall, it is a good win,” he added.

Ocho Rios, meanwhile, provided the biggest statement of the day, hammering Little London 9-0 to give their home fans plenty to celebrate.

Allyja Blythe led his team with four goals, scoring in the 12th, 36th, 74th and 78th minutes, while top striker Dario James completed a hat trick with goals in the 89th, 90th and stoppage time.

Ryan Francis and Cornell Hastings also got on the scoresheet, netting in the 14th and 17th minutes, respectively.

Despite the emphatic scoreline, Ocho Rios coach Veron Peterkin said his team’s focus was on maintaining its quality rather than chasing goals.

“It was a good game, but we were not focused on the score, more on just playing good football. We were okay in that department, but we could have done much better,” said Peterkin.

“I just think that the goals came early and then the players dropped their tempo,” he added.

The Ben Francis KO continues today with 25 matches. In the featured encounter, seven-time champions St Elizabeth Technical High School will host Charlemont High at 4:15 p.m.

Yesterday’s results

Ferncourt 2-5 Porus

Ocho Rios 9-0 Little London

Christiana 4-0 Fair Prospect