Paul-Andre Walker, Staff Reporter
Tivoli Gardens' Michael Spence (right) scores past St. George's College goalkeeper Jabari Wallace (left), while Daveniel Simmonds of St. George's looks on during their ISSA/Pepsi/JN Manning Cup schoolboy football match at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex on Saturday. Tivoli won 4-3. - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
NEWCOMERS ELTHAM have proven that they can run with the big boys, but they will have to continue to do it the hard way when they play against Group E kingpins Bridgeport in ISSA/Pepsi/JN Manning Cup action today.
The 3:30 p.m. fixture at Eltham's grounds will highlight six mouth-watering clashes on for today.
Eltham's second clash is of particular interest because their fate is tied-in with that of North Street's Kingston College.
The purples of North Street have been playing catch-up ever since Eltham beat them in the first set of games at North Street, and are breathing down the newcomers' neck, three points off the pace.
This means that Eltham have to keep winning, something they have done competently, with the exception of the last time they played against Bridgeport in a 2-0 loss.
BRIDGEPORT'S EFFICIENCY
In that game, they weren't outplayed, but Bridgeport proved to be a more efficient team in front of goal, something they will have to change if they want to stay ahead of KC.
The equation becomes even more difficult to balance for Eltham when you take the likelihood of a KC victory over Holy Trinity today at North Street.
In the other game from Group E, Meadowbrook, who are out of the Manning Cup bar, have a game against St. Jago that is really only of academic interest at this point.
Also of interest will be the Group C game between Clan Carthy and St. Andrew Technical (STATHS) at Clan Carthy.
STATHS currently lead the group with 19 points and are closely followed by Norman Manley, who trail on goal difference.
Clan Carthy are nine points adrift but have a game in hand and are hoping victories can get them back into the frame.
Unfortunately their final three games won't be easy ones as they also have Norman Manley to contend with. If the teams ahead of them pick up any points, then the fat lady would have already sung, as far as Clan Carthy are concerned.
JC CLOSER TO QUALIFICATION
In Group C, there is also a game between Norman Manley and Trench Town, where the former can seal their qualification to the second round with a victory, while Campion, who are out, have a game against Penwood.
In Group A, Jamaica College (JC) are also edging closer to qualification, as they take on Mona at Hope Road.
A win against their neighbours, would ensure qualification because it would mean that third place Mona would have no chance of surpassing them.
Jamaica College currently have 12 points with two games to go, while Mona have six with three games remaining.
In that group, José Marti will take on Kingston Technical at home. Kingston Technical are still in with a chance at qualification like Mona, as they can still overtake second-placed Excelsior, who have nine points.
TODAY'S GAMES
Group A
Jamaica College vs Mona
Jose Marti vs Kingston Technical
Group C
Campion vs Penwood
Norman Manley vs Trench Town
Clan Carthy vs St. Andrew Technical
Group E
Kingston College vs Holy Trinity
Eltham vs Bridgeport
St. Jago vs Meadowbrook
All games will be played at the home ground of the team first mentioned.
All games begin at 3:30 p.m.
