Frome look to maintain winning run

Frome Technical will look to build on their winning start to the second round of the ISSA daCosta Cup football competition when they host Holmwood Technical at Frome playing field today, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

Frome head coach Cleighton Stephens believes playing at home is crucial to building his team’s confidence and cohesion as they pursue a positive second-round campaign.

“These home games are very important. That’s why we really wanted to top the zone and get three home games because of the importance,” said Stephens.

“Winning our first game boosted our confidence. It is good for our boys because we are more comfortable now.”

Frome defeated Irwin High 1-0 in their opening second-round match and will be looking to maintain that momentum.

Stephens said the team benefited from sufficient time to rest and prepare for today’s encounter.

“The boys are eager to play today. We got enough days to rest, recover and prepare, so that is a plus for us,” he added.

Opening-round defeat

Holmwood, meanwhile, will be hoping to rebound from their opening-round defeat, after going down 2-1 to Munro College at home. The Manchester-based school will need a stronger performance to get their campaign back on track.

In another second-round encounter in Manchester, Mile Gully High will host Kemps Hill High at Mile Gully Community Centre, also at 3:30 pm.

Kemps Hill head coach Kiegon Mitchell said persistent rainfall disrupted the team’s preparations, limiting them to just one training session since their previous match.

“Preparations are going well; it’s just that the weather’s not giving us enough time to train. Since Thursday, we only had one training session, which was yesterday morning because of the rain,” said Mitchell.

However, Mitchell is refusing to use the conditions as an excuse, acknowledging that several teams have been affected by the persistent rainfall.

“I won’t complain because all of the teams or a majority of the teams are experiencing this type of rainy weather. I guess we’re not the only team that will be affected, but I won’t use that as an excuse. It’s just for us to work on our strength and take it into the next game,” he added.

Both teams enjoyed winning starts to the second round. Mile Gully defeated St Mary High 2-0, while Kemps Hill also recorded a 2-0 victory over Knox College.

Today’s games:

Maggotty vs Irwin at Lacovia Community Centre

Manning’s vs Brown’s Town at Manning’s

Old Harbour vs Ferncourt at Linval Dixon Oval

Garvey Maceo vs St Mary at Garvey Maceo

Mile Gully vs Kemps Hill at Mile Gully Comm Centre

Christiana High vs Edwin Allen at Kirkvine

Frome vs Holmwood at Frome

Porus vs Lennon at Porus Comm Centre

All matches are scheduled to kick off at 3:30 p.m.