Jamaica Gleaner
Published: Friday | November 14, 2008
Home : Sport
Manning Cup battle heats up
Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter


NICKLE

A PLACE in the final four of the ISSA/Pepsi/ Digicel Manning Cup will be up for grabs when Wolmer's tackle Kingston College (KC) and Norman Manley battle Bridgeport in the final set of Group One games at the Constant Spring Complex and Spanish Town Prison Oval today.

Both games begin at 3 p.m.

Out in front on four points, last year's finalists Bridgeport will hope to keep their destiny in their own hands as only a win against second-placed Norman Manley will ensure their progress to the next round. Back in the thick of things following a 4-3 win over KC after an opening day loss to Wolmer's, Norman Manley, who are currently on three points, could secure themselves a spot in the semi-final round with a win over Bridgeport.

In another scenario, a draw between the teams or a loss for a Bridgeport side led by national youth representative Andre Steele and dangerman Adoah Nickle, could open the door for early group leaders Wolmer's, who are now in a must-win situation against rivals Kingston College.

Despite having played some uninspiring football since the start of the second round, the good news for the Heroes Circle team is that they should be close to full strength for the final fixture. The line-up will be bolstered by the return of utility player Atiba Morgan, who sat out a 3-1 loss to group leaders Bridgeport, having picked up a red card against Norman Manley.

Played without midfielder

The team also played without midfielder Akeem Brown and coach Michael Francis for the first game of the round, as both served a one-game suspension as a result of the abandoned game between the team and Jamaica College (JC).

Although not mathematically eliminated from the competition it will be a tough ask for KC, even with the presence of one of the top scorers - Mckaulay Tulloch, to secure a spot in the semi-final round.

Following a loss to Bridgeport and then another to Norman Manley, the North Street team can, at best, secure four points, which will not be enough to finish ahead of any of the teams in the group. KC's faint hope of advancing lies in going through as the best second-place qualifier.



Home | Lead Stories | News | Business | Sport | Commentary | Letters | Entertainment | Social | International |