Calabar pushing for qualification

David Lalor, head coach of Calabar, said they will be going all out to ensure that they secure one of two best third-place spots and a place in the second round, when they take on cellar-dwellers Ardenne in Group B of ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup competition today.

Calabar, who enjoy a plus-five goal difference along with Innswood, with plus-three and Haile Selassie with plus 16, are the three teams battling for the two remaining spots to the second round of the competition.

Kingston College lead Group B with 27 points, ahead of Mona on 22 and Calabar on 16.

Calabar defeated Ardenne 3-0 in their previous away meeting this season, and Lalor said his charges are very prepared and focused ahead of today's contest.

"I just want the boys to play this game and try and take care of it as best as possible and make sure that we do what is required of us to ensure that we go through to the second round of the competition," said Lalor.

"I am expecting three points, and we will be playing for three points, but I don't want to assume that it is an easy game and it is all over already and I have to keep the guys focused," he said.

"My players are confident because they want to play and they want to go through to the second round, but I don't want them to feel like this is an easy game, and so I have to keep them grounded," he said.

In the group's other games, Kingston College will tackle Mona and Dunoon will host Clan Carthy. Innswood will face a tough assignment when they tackle St Jago, who are second in Group D on 22 points. Denham Town lead the group with 23 points.

In the group's other games, Bridgeport (nine) will entertain Denham Town, and Tivoli (six) host Greater Portmore (three).

Haile Selassie, who are the surprise team this season, will have it all to do when they play away to Group E leaders St Catherine, who are on 24 points.

Today's ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup Games:

- Papine v Cumberland

- STATHS v Cedar Grove

- Tarrant v St George's College

- Kingston College v Mona High

- Dunoon v Clan Carthy

- Calabar v Ardenne

- Innswood v St. Jago

- Bridgeport v Denham Town

- Tivoli v Greater Portmore

- St Catherine v Haile Selassie

- Excelsior v St. Mary's College

- Hydel v Vauxhall

- Jamaica College v Kingston High