Paul-Andre Walker, Staff Reporter
NORMAN MANLEY - not for the first time in the ISSA/Pepsi/JN Manning Cup - have surprised the pundits and are now firm favourites to make the semi-finals of the competition, pending the result of today's Group Three game against Charlie Smith at the Spring Complex.
The 1:00 p.m. fixture will be the first of a double-header which also sees Walker Cup champions Tivoli High, on the brink of an early exit from the competition, playing against Bridgeport at 3:00 p.m.
With the final set of games on today in the group, Norman Manley have an unassailable six points, Tivoli have three, and are followed by Charlie Smith, also with three, and Bridgeport, who are yet to get off the mark.
For Tivoli to avoid a fate that already seems on the cards, they will have to beat Bridgeport and hope that Norman Manley lose to Charlie Smith, which would cause goal difference to be the deciding factor in the group as three teams would then be tied on six points.
Bridgeport, who for their part have underachieved, are already out of the Corporate Area schoolboy competition, and have indicated that they will be using the game to give some of their younger players Manning Cup experience. That could give Tivoli a decided advantage against what is normally a dangerous team.
However, the hope that Norman Manley will lose to Charlie Smith appears far-fetched.
The 'Junglists' had a 1-0 victory over Bridgeport in the first game which came out of left field, as they were soundly outplayed despite getting the result.
That was also the case when they played against Tivoli in a 4-1 thrashing.
They led 1-0 in that game from as early as the eighth minute even though they were obviously the second-best team on the park.
The hope from the Tivoli camp will be that Charlie Smithwill score an early goal, as they did in their first two games, and this time find a way to stop Norman Manley from getting back into the game.
However, Norman Manley have been in irresistible form, using a sturdy back line and a clinical approach to counter-attacking football that has served them well.
For their part, they only need a draw to garner a berth in the Manning Cup semi-finals, however, their coach, Alrick Clarke, has already indicated that his team is looking for the maximum nine points.
TODAY'S GAMES
Venue: Constant Spring Complex
Norman Manley vs. Charlie Smith at 1:00 p.m.
Tivoli vs. Bridgeport at 3:00 p.m.
