Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Defending champions St Georges's College retained their ISSA/Digicel/ Pepsi Manning Cup title with an exciting come-from-behind 3-2 extra-time win over Bridgeport High yesterday at the National Stadium.

St George's were led to victory by Marvin Morgan who scored in the 22nd and 54th minutes. McKaully Tulloch completed the scoring for the champions in the 112th minute.

Kenrick Preston gave Bridgeport the lead in the 20th minute when he fired home a left-sided cross from his captain Darren Mattocks, past goal keeper Windell Reid. However, Morgan pulled St George's level two-minutes later, with a 30-yard shot, which went like a rocket past Bridgeport custodian Robert Johnson.

St George's took control after the equaliser and in the 30th minute thought they had taken the lead but Tulloch's point-blank shot was brilliantly saved by Johnson. A few minutes later St George's defender Oneil Fisher produced a spectacular 35-yard shot but he was denied the crossbar.

The first half ended 1-1.

Jamiel Hardware put Bridgeport ahead two minutes into the second half when his weak right-footed shot went through the hands of Reid and into the back of the net at the near post.

Winning goal

Morgan scored his second goal of the match when he sent a 'curler' past Johnson in the Bridgeport goal.

The fleet-footed Morgan came close to scoring the winning goal for the 'light blues' in the dying moments of full time but with Johnson at his mercy, his shot went wide of the target.

The clincher for St George's came two minutes into the second half of extra time.

The North Street-based school was awarded a penalty after Bridgeport substitute Jason Jackson handled the ball in the 18-yard box. Tulloch stepped up to fire home the penalty.

Meanwhile St Andrew Technical High (STATHS) took home the third-place trophy with a 4-1 win over Excelsior. Daniel Gilzene (44th and 70th ) and Andrew Christie (51st and 71st) were the scorers for STATHS. Nico Brett scored the lone goal for Excelsior in the 48th minute.