Eltham through to Manning Cup semis

Eltham High School became the first team to secure a place in the ISSA Manning Cup semi-finals after a convincing 2-0 victory over defending champions Excelsior High in Group A quarter-final action at the Waterhouse Mini Stadium yesterday.

In the opening game of the double-header, Calabar High kept their semi-final hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Wolmer’s Boys, securing their first victory of the round.

With the results, Eltham sit atop the group with a perfect six points from two matches.

Calabar are second on three points, while Wolmer’s and Excelsior occupy third and fourth positions, respectively, both on one point. Wolmer’s, however, hold the advantage on goal difference.

Calabar made a bright start against Wolmer’s, with Jaeden Frame capitalising on poor defending in the 22nd minute to break the deadlock.

Jaiquin Bryan doubled Calabar’s advantage 11 minutes later after finding space inside the box before calmly finishing into the bottom-right corner.

Wolmer’s came to life in the second half and produced a more threatening attacking display but struggled to find a way past the Calabar goalkeeper.

Their breakthrough came in the 82nd minute when Ramesh Simms scored from a cleverly worked quick free-kick routine that caught Calabar off guard, allowing him to slot home from just outside the area.

However, despite late pressure, Wolmer’s were unable to complete the comeback as Calabar held firm until the final whistle.

DARK HORSES TRIUMPH

In the feature contest, Manning Cup dark horses Eltham continued their impressive campaign with another significant victory.

The teams exchanged attacks throughout the first half, but neither side was able to find the breakthrough as they went into the interval locked at 0-0.

Eltham eventually broke the deadlock through a spectacular strike that will surely enter the conversation for goal of the season.

In-form forward Santana Headley collected the ball from distance before unleashing a thunderous effort that flew into the roof of the net.

Excelsior increased the pressure in search of an equaliser but were unable to find a way through.

Eltham sealed all three points with a second goal when Andrew Anderson intercepted possession in a dangerous area, rounded the goalkeeper, and slotted into an empty net.

The final round of quarter-final matches will be played on Tuesday.

gregory.bryce@gleanerjm.com

Yesterday’s Results

Excelsior 0-2 Eltham

Wolmer’s 1-2 Calabar