Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

A year ago a rugged Eltham team then Manning Cup debutantes, warmed the hearts of spectators everywhere, when they came from nowhere to not only snatch a few memorable victories but come within a point of booking a spot in the competition's semi-final round.

Tears of disbelief and bitter disappointment flowed when Eltham saw their Cinderella story end last year, missing out on the last available semi-final spot courtesy of a last minute 2-3 loss handed to them by rivals St. Catherine.

While the latter progressed to the semi-final round, losing 1-0 to eventual champions Calabar - a team which the Spanish Town first-timers had battled their way to a 2-2 draw with in their previous match - a disheartened Eltham took a lonely trip back down the Mandela Highway. It's a new season and Eltham are back, but have last year's 'debutant darlings' become legitimate contenders?

Dangerous prospect

The team retained the majority of their players and the combination of determination and experience will certainly make them a dangerous prospect. Their starting line-up and hardy defensive philosophy have very much remained intact.

Atop Group D with no losses so far this season, their coach Gregory Allen is pleased with the team's effort.

" I am very pleased with our start, the guys are following instructions and once they follow instructions you can expect good things from them," he said.

"As long as the guys remain focused and disciplined we can hope for the best this year, and in terms of experience we are far ahead of where we were last year," Allen added.

However, while confident in his team's ability, Allen was reluctant to make any predictions on this season's outcome.

" I don't want to call any shots now, but we will continue to be positive and hope to play some good quality football this season," he said.

Anchored in midfield by the clever captain Tremaine Stewart, who has joined up with Premier League newcomers August Town since last season, and the always-dangerous Dwayne Hunter and Kemar Crowther up front, they certainly can get the goals.

Eltham also boasts a rock-solid back lines, led by the overlooked but very capable keeper Kelso Cousins.

Whether Eltham will go all the way remain to be seen, but the hundreds of excited supporters on hand for their home games certainly believe they can. However, there is no doubt that anyone estimating the new St. Catherine sensation will do so at their own peril.