Semi spot beckons for Manley, Excelsior

Jermaine Lannaman, Gleaner Writer

Excelsior High and Norman Manley High will today meet in a top-of-the-table Group Two clash at Constant Spring Sports Complex at 3 p.m., as action continues in the second round of the ISSA/Pepsi/ Digicel Manning Cup.

The two, who are coming off wins in their first matches in the round, will be aiming for full points which would put them in a strong position to win the group and advance to the semi-finals.

The group's other two teams, Wolmer's Boys and Tivoli High, who will be looking to register their first points and get their campaigns back on track, will play each other at 1 p.m. at the same venue.

The second round is divided into three groups of four teams each, with the winners and the best second-place team scheduled to advance to the semi-finals.

"It will be our toughest clash for the season as, by virtue of winning their preliminary round and winning their first game, Norman Manley are the top team in the group," said Excelsior coach Leebert Halliman.

"But we plan to put our best foot forward and, hopefully, at the end of the day we can get a point, or take all three points."

In going for the win, Excelsior will look to in-form national Under-20 representative, the speedy and crafty Neco Brett, who scored a brace in their opening 2-0 win over Tivoli, and Juvane Benjamin.

Norman Manley, on the other hand, will pin their hopes on Neco Reynolds and Dean Phillips, who scored in their opening 1-0 win over Wolmer's.

Strong challenge

Coach Miguel Coley expects a strong challenge from Excelsior.

"It's going to be a challenge. But it's very important that we get three points, especially given the set-up of the group.

"We haven't been that con-sistent as a team, but we are getting results, and the hope is that come tomorrow we play as how we train, and start clicking as a team much more."

The day's opener will see the Ludlow Bernard-conditioned Wolmer's trying to put back the wheels on their wagon.

In their victory pursuits, they will look to midfielder Omar Holness, forward Javon Wright and midfielder Desmond Campbell.

Barrington Pryce, who netted for Tivoli in their loss, should again lead the way for the west Kingston-based school.