Manning Cup: Second-round qualifying spots still up for grabs

Following Wednesday's action in the ISSA Manning Cup, there are four automatic qualifying spots left up for grabs as first-round action nears its dramatic end.

Ten of the 14 automatic spots have already been decided, with several of the competition's top contenders safely through to the next phase.

However, several dark horses and outliers are still contesting their fates, with only two match days left to play.

In Zone B, it is a three-horse race as Charlie Smith High, Jonathan Grant High and Waterford High all have a chance of joining defending Manning Cup champions Mona High in advancing from the zone.

Charlie Smith and Jonathan Grant lead the trailing pack, both teams are on 15 points. Charlie Smith, however, hold the advantage with a better goal difference.

Waterford, on 10 points, stand with an outside chance of sneaking into the second round but would need a perfect record in their remaining two games, as well as favourable results from their zone rivals.

All three teams will enter the closing stages of the first round knowing any points dropped could prove the end of their campaign.

Campion College are one point away from advancing from Zone C and could guarantee their fate when they face Jose Marti Technical High at home tomorrow.

Campion are second in the zone with 19 points while Jose Marti sit third with 13. Should the Campionites avoid a loss, they will join zone leaders Kingston College, who sit secure on 22 points.

Early season high-flyers Penwood High have been knocked out of contention as their four-game unbeaten streak came crashing down in a four-game losing streak, conceding 13 goals in the process.

In Zone E, Tivoli are confident of their chances of a second-round appearance, as they will need just one point from their last two games to advance.

With 21 points from eight games, Tivoli have placed themselves in pole position to secure the remaining qualifying spot from the group, with their closest rivals St Jago High on 15.

With their next outing being a home fixture against St Mary's College, who they have already thumped 4-1 earlier in the zone, Tivoli are expected to collect all three points when they take to the field tomorrow.

Excelsior High are closing in on the remaining qualifying spot in Zone F, despite their recent 3-1 loss to Jamaica College.

Excelsior, on 13 points, will face off against Bridgeport High on Wednesday, knowing a draw or a win will be enough to send them through to the next round of the competition.

The Eagles will expect a routine three points from Bridgeport, who they had dismantled 7-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in the round.

The first round of the Manning Cup will come to an end on October 19, where the top two teams from each zone, as well as the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the second round.

The second round will see the 16 teams placed in four groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the third round. The second round is set to kick off on October 23.

Today's games

Hydel vs Dunoon Park - Homestead Community Centre

Eltham vs Clan Carthy - Eltham

Holy Trinity vs Papine - Holy Trinity

St Catherine vs Norman Manley - St Catherine

All games kick off at 3:30 p.m.