Norman Manley book spot in Manning Cup second round

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Norman Manley booked a spot in the second round of the ISSA Manning Cup with a thumping 5-0 win over Kingston Technical High in Zone C on Friday. With a maximum 12 points from four games and only two rounds remaining, Norman Manley are safely through to the next round, as they cannot be surpassed by three other teams in the zone. Denham Town are second on nine points and are basically through as well following their 4-1 win over Donald Quarrie High, while Edith Dalton James are third on six points but certainly not safe as Kingston Technical are sitting just behind on four points as the battle for the third and final qualifier from the group intensifies. Both Kingston Technical and Edith Dalton will meet on Wednesday in a match that could decide their fate, as only two points separate the two hunting one spot. A win for Edith would end Kingston Technical’s hopes. Meanwhile in Zone B, six teams are still in contention for the three spots headed by Innswood High and Jose Marti High, both on seven points. St Mary’s College and Penwood High are on six points while Hillel Academy are on five and Papine High on three points. Papine High clipped Clan Carthy 1-0; Penwood defeated St Mary’s College 3-2; and Jose Marti and Hillel drew 2-2 to leave the group wide open. In Zone A, three-time champion Camperdown High and Greater Portmore High are in the driver’s seat with nine and seven points respectively. Holy Trinity High and Ascot High are on four points each, with Bridgeport High and Waterford High sitting on three points apiece. Jonathan Grant is on one point but, with three games to play, are still in the hunt. Camperdown High whipped Jonathan Grant 3-0; Greater Portmore blanked Ascot High 2-0; and Waterford High defeated Bridgeport High 3-1 in the Portmore derby. Holy Trinity, who have played just two games, will be in action against Jonathan Grant in a rescheduled game on Monday before facing Camperdown on Wednesday in two defining games. Nine teams from the three groups will advance to the second round, where the 25 seeded teams will join them.