Marc Stamp
Gleaner Writer
Hydel High will look for a second win against St Jago High when the teams meet in their Group F return round Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA)/LIME Manning Cup clash at the Spanish Town Prison Oval today. Kick-off time is 3:30 p.m.
The Donovan 'DV' Hayles-coached Hydel team leads the group on 13 points from five games, while St Jago are in third position on nine from their five games - just behind Calabar (10) in second position.
A win for Hydel would put them closer to a spot in the second stage as well as secure an automatic place in the inaugural LIME Super Cup.
"It will be a key game. We overcame them by a single goal (1-0) in the first game at home. However, we know that they have a quality team, so it is an interesting game," Hayles told The Gleaner yesterday.
"We wanted to end the first round with a perfect record, but we won't complain about 13 points," he noted.
"In the last game on Friday, we had several players out due to Chikungunya disease. Now, we will assess the team and come up with the composition for the game tomorrow (today)," Hayles added.
National Under-17 representative Nicholas Nelson is expected to lead the charge for Hydel.
Meanwhile, St Jago's assistant coach, Shavar Thomas said his team is looking for a win to close the gap on Hydel.
"It means a lot as they are ahead of us. They beat us 1-0 two weeks ago, but it wasn't a true reflection of the game," Thomas said.
After a poor start, St Jago won its last three games and are generally playing better.
"Our good players are playing better and that has helped the team. Hydel is a good team physically. We are looking to nullify what they can do and hope our players will be at their best," disclosed Thomas, a former Reggae Boyz captain.
St Jago will rely on Ryon Smart, who scored a hat-trick against Penwood on Friday and captain Andrew Daley, among others.
Today's games
Group B
Excelsior vs Cumberland at Courtney Walsh Oval; Charlie Smith vs Mona at the Anthony Spaulding Complex.
Group C
Innswood vs St Mary's College at Chedwin Park in St Catherine; Tivoli vs Edith Dalton at Edward Seaga Complex; Ardenne vs Denham Town at Ardenne High.
Group F
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Penwood vs Calabar at Cling Cling Oval; Eltham vs St Catherine at Eltham High; St Jago vs Hydel at Spanish Town Prison Oval.
All games start at 3:30 p.m.