Norman Grindley/ Deputy Chief Photographer
Calabar's Kenniel Hyde (left) is tackled by Waterfod's Andre Darby during their ISSA/Pepsi/JN Manning Cup match at the Stadium East field yesterday. The game ended 0-0.

Rasbert Turner and Robert Bailey, Freelance Writers

SPANISH TOWN High advanced to the semi-finals of the Manning Cup after playing to a 0-0 draw with Eltham at the Spanish Town Prison Oval yesterday.

The match was entertaining, but faulty finishing led to the scoreless draw.

Spanish Town join defending champions Calabar, Excelsior and Bridgeport in the semis which will be held next Saturday at Stadium East.

The lesser fancied Spanish Town rose to the occasion yesterday and had greater possession and provided a superior display through the likes of Ranique Rowe and Waugh Walters.

Eltham showed glimpses of brilliance through their captain Dwayne Hunter and Shevon Brown, but they were closely marked throughout the game.

In the Prison Oval curtain-raiser, 10-man Wolmer's came from behind to beat Norman Manley 2-1 with goals from Andrew Jackson and Kevin Brown. Norman Bailey scored the consolation goal for Norman Manley.

Shane Spragg was red carded for rough play but, even with only ten men, Wolmer's showed they were the team that wanted to win most.

At Stadium East, Calabar ended Waterford's hopes of advancing to the semi-finals when they played to a 0-0 draw. Calabar had already booked their spot into the semi-finals by topping Group Two with seven points.

Hopes ended

In the day's other game, former champions Charlie Smith's hopes were ended when they went down 3-0 to 19-time champions Jamaica College (JC).

" First, I must congratulate my team," said Calabar coach David Hunt. "We have been playing well throughout the second round of the competition, " he said.\ "I am very satisfied with today's result because we didn't concede any goals and we are now looking forward to the semi-finals."

Floyd Cooke, coach of Waterford, said a lack of fitness hurt his team.

"I am very disappointed today because my team wasn't at full strength," Cooke said. " My captain was very sick so I had to make a number of changes but, all in all, this season was a very good one for us and we will be back next year," he said.

Calabar dominated the first half, but were denied by a strong Waterford defensive unit. Lennox Creary, Cleyon Brown and Kabari Palmer all missed clear scoring chances. Odian Martin got Waterford's best chance but he headed wide of the target.

In the second half, both teams created a number of clear-cut chances.

Waterford's Andre Darby thought he had given his team the lead but his header on goal was denied by the crossbar while Calabar substitute Marlon Smith's point-blank shot was well saved by goalkeeper Peter Harrison at his near post.