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Charlie Smith, Jonathan Grant in tight battle for second round
October 15, 2024
When Charlie Smith High take to the field today in their ISSA Manning Cup fixture against Tarrant High, they will be aware that anything short of a win could spell disaster for their campaign, as they are embroiled in a close race for the last automatic qualifying spot in Zone B.
Charlie Smith and Jonathan Grant High sit second and third, respectively, in their zone with only two games left to decide their fate.
The two teams have recorded identical results throughout the first round so far and both tied on 15 points with four wins, three draws and one loss apiece.
However, Charlie Smith hold the advantage as they boast a superior goal difference of 24, compared to Jonathan Grant's 12.
They will be hoping to keep the pressure on their rivals with a win against Tarrant, who sit fifth in the zone standings on six points.
Charlie Smith will be confident ahead of today's game, having already defeated Tarrant High in a comfortable 4-0 win at the start of the season.
A win would see them moving three points clear of Jonathan Grant, who will next be in action tomorrow against Waterford High.
However, Charlie Smith will be cautious as their final match of the first round will see them taking on defending Manning Cup champions and zone leaders Mona High.
In their first meeting this season, Charlie Smith were easily brushed aside 3-0 by the reigning champions and will need a much improved performance this time around if they are to keep their second-round ambitions alive.
Jonathan Grant face an easier schedule on paper, but head coach Kemeel Wolfe insisted that he will not be underestimating any of his opponents.
They face Waterford High tomorrow, before a final fixture against Gaynstead High on Saturday.
While they are expected to pick up all six points from their last two games, Wolfe has warned his team of becoming complacent in the most crucial part of their campaign.
Speaking after their 1-0 win over Tarrant, Wolfe said it is often the teams with little to play for who prove hardest to defeat.
"Some of the times when teams are playing without pressure, they are the tougher teams," he told STAR Sports.
"We have to do what we have to do and once we take care of our games, that is all we can do. We always take it one game at a time and if we do that and get the three points each time, then we should be okay for the second round."
