Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

Bridgeport's Adrian King (right), representing the all-Manning Cup side, challenges a player from the Trinidad select high scool team during their friendly match at St. George's College yesterday. The all-Manning side won 2-1 - Junior Dowie / Staff Photographer

A star-studded All-Manning Cup team, comprising mainly players from the successful ISSA/Pepsi/Digicel Jamaica College team and runners-up Bridgeport, downed a Trinidad and Tobago All-Schools squad 2-1 in yesterday's lacklustre opening match of the visitors' two-game tour.

The Trinidadians, who were trying to end a three-year losing streak against the Jamaicans, were no match for the powerful invitees, including star striker, Andre Clennon of Bridgeport who propelled the team into the leadafter a mere 36 seconds.

With powerful central defender, Robert Palmer leading the pack, backed by Andre Steele of Bridgeport and Ramone Palmer of Jamaica College, the Trinidadians were prevented from spreading the ball as the Jamaicans worked overtime in the midfield. A powerful kick from Steele in the six-yard box would have pushed the All-Manning boys to a 2-0 lead in the 42nd minute, but the goal was disqualified because of an infringement by Steele.

SECOND GOAL

Not to be deterred, they got that second goal later when Palmer hit a long ball from the midfield that went to substitute Jamal Spence, who scored in the 75th minute.

In the 83rd minute, the Trinidadians benefitted from a goalkeeping error on the part of Oliver Walker, to register their only goal when Marcus Joseph struck.

This seemingly re-energised the Trinidadian team who applied intensive pressure on the Jamaican squad in the closing minutes of the match.

"It was a game of two halves for us," said Shalin Cooper, coach of the Trinidadian team. "The Jamaicans dominated the first half and we dominated the second half. We gave up two soft goals but I think the standard of game was a good one."

Anthony Patrick, coach of Bridgeport, said: "Our plan was to get an early goal and push back the defence of the other team. This worked greatly for us."

The Trinidadians will next tackle the All-dacosta Cup team in what is expected to be a keenly contested match at the Jamalco Sports Club tomorrow, starting at 3:00p.m.