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Jerome Waite, coach of Charlie Smith, has blamed the poor playing surface at Ascot High High home ground for the unfavourable 2-2 draw in their opening match of the ISSA /Gatorade/Digicel Manning Cup match on Monday.
"The 2-2 draw is not a true reflection of the game, the problem was was the poor condition of the field, and Manning Cup football shouldn't be played on this field. It does not even have a perimeter fence or a rope around it," Waite said.
He added: "If you want to see youngsters make the transition from this level to the (senior level), we need to ensure that they are playing on fields with good surfaces," he added.
During the match Ascot's top marksman, Keneiko Thomas, was at his best in front of the Ascot family - the basic, primary and high school students who flocked the venue.
Thomas struck with two excellent goals, one in each half. He first benefited from a through pass from midfielder Owane Taylor as he beat a defender before slotting home beautifully three minutes from half-time.
He then struck a 25-yard effort in the 52nd minute to put his team ahead. Ascot were denied a victory, however, as their defence conceded a penalty four minutes later, and Charlie Smith's captain, Javoni Simms, stepped up and blasted in the spot kick giving his team a share of the points. Michaelos Martin scored Charlie Smith's first goal in the 11th minute.
Ascot coach Jason Grant was pleased with his team's standard of play.
"The guys executed the game plan well, they followed instructions and I'm quite satisfied with their level of play. Charlie Smith took the lead, and we came from behind to lead. If the team continues to play with a lot of heart then we can go a far way."
Grant acknowledged that the pitch is less than ideal but emphasised that due to financial constraints they must use their school ground.
