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‘They pushed us really hard’ - Thomas exhales as late goal earns Hydel quarter-final spot
December 04, 2025
Hydel High School's Manning Cup team captain Javel Watson scored a late second-half goal to earn his team a point, and a place in the ISSA Manning Cup quarterfinals, after coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Campion College in Group Two at Drewsland Mini Stadium yesterday.
Campion took the lead through a splendid free kick from Djaz Less in the 33rd minute. But Watson's 10th goal of the season, in the 74th minute, was enough to see the Alex Thomas-coached team into the next round.
"As a coach you have to expect these type of games," Thomas commented post match. "They (Campion) have nothing to play for, so they are just going to play football and they pushed us really hard. But we've qualified for the round of eight and we give God thanks."
In an exciting, end-to-end game, Campion struck first through Less' well measured free kick from an angle, which flew inside Idrian Robinson's near post for the opener.
Hydel had a host of chances to equalise, but Ackeem Ewan and Watson were guilty of poor execution.
Both teams continued to play good football and create chances after the break, and Watson should have pulled a goal back in the 65th after he was put through on goal. But lobbed wide of the mark.
However, the striker would make amends when he fired home from close range to salvage the point.
"Since we've been back playing, you can see the rust on the players. So we are trying our best to find back the rhythm. Nevertheless, they are putting in the work," Thomas said.
"The character of the players was good. You could see the fight in the second half. You could see the energy. You could see the fight, being 1-0 down and time running out. We created a lot of chances and we could have put away the games easy. But whatever God gives us, we take. And we got a point and we are grateful for it," added Thomas.
He added that they will continue to take it game by game, with the aim of finishing as high as they can in the competition.
"We are going to prepare game by game. And you never know because we are moving and moving up the ladder and patiently doing what we are doing," he stated.
