Charlie Smith High's goalkeeper Leon Taylor dives brillantly to his right to save a penalty taken by St George's College's Ryan Miller at Winchester Park last Saturday. Miller scored after the kick was ordered retaken by the referee. Players from Charlie Smith High had encroached into the penalty area during the first kick. - Gladstone Taylor

The 2013 ISSA/LIME Manning Cup football competition is just into its third week but Leon Taylor, the Charlie Smith High goalkeeper, is already making a name for himself.

Last Saturday, the 17-year-old Taylor produced a number of outstanding saves as his school drew 1-1 in a Group D match against defending champions St George College at Winchester Park, North Street, Kingston.

Taylor is a newcomer to the Manning Cup but is no stranger to goalkeeping, as he has kept goal for Arnett Gardens at the Under-13, Under-14 and Under-17 levels and has already won trophies at the two lower levels.

The agile goalkeeper, who hails from Arnett Gardens, just a stone's throw from his school, is not only aiming at winning the Manning Cup with Charlie Smith but also looking forward to sitting six subjects in the 2014 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination.

He admits that he was a bit nervous going into last Saturday's game but he felt a bit better after his team-mate, Ryan Smith, netted in the 49th minute to get the lead for Charlie Smith.

outstanding save

"Honestly, I wasn't looking forward to the game, but after seeing my teammates fighting so hard to score a goal and take the lead, I knew it was up to me to make the difference and to help the team hold that lead," said Taylor.

Taylor made an outstanding save from a penalty taken by St George's captain Ryan Miller but the referee ruled that the kick be retaken after players from Charlie Smith encroached into the penalty area.

Miller made no mistake the second time and tied the game in the 59th minute.

"Saving the first penalty made me feel very good, but I am not sure why it was called back," expressed Taylor.

Following the equaliser, home team St George's stepped up their game a level or two, putting enormous pressure on Taylor, who continued to make some impressive saves.

A cross into the 18-yard box gave Miller the chance to send a powerful header goalwards which Taylor, with a cat-like leap, saved on the line.

A few minutes later, St George's substitute Amoy Brown sent a powerful long-range shot goalwards but he also was denied by an astonishing diving effort from Taylor.

"My motivation comes from my teachers, my friends and those who support me," said Taylor. "Keeping is a part of who I am and I try to do my best at it," he added.

The outstanding Taylor will next be in action today at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in Arnett Gardens when his school hosts Donald Quarrie High at 3:30 p.m.

andrew.harris@gleanerjm.com

Charlie Smith High's goalkeeper Leon Taylor (right) leaps to punch away a cross ahead of St George's College's Ryan Miller during their Group D ISSA/LIME Manning Cup match at Winchester Park last Saturday. The game ended 1-1.

Charlie Smith High's goalkeeper Leon Taylor plucking a shot out of the air during last Saturday's Manning Cup match against defending champions St George's College at Winchester Park. The game ended 1-1. - Gladstone Taylor