Charlie Smith, Jonathan Grant in battle for second-round berth
Published:Tuesday | October 15, 2024 | 12:10 AM
WHEN CHARLIE Smith High School takes to the field today in their ISSA Manning Cup fixture against Tarrant High School, they will be aware that anything short of a win could spell disaster for their campaign, as they are embroiled in a close race for the last automatic qualifying spot in Zone B.
Charlie Smith are locked in a contest with zone rivals Jonathan Grant High School as the duo sit second and third in their zone, respectively, with only two games left to decide their fates.
The two teams have recorded identical results throughout the first round, both tied on 15 points with four wins, three draws and one loss apiece.
However, Charlie Smith holds the advantage over Jonathan Grant, boasting a superior goal difference of 24, compared to the latter’s 12.
They will be hoping to keep the pressure on their rivals with a win against Tarrant, who sit fifth in the zone standings on six points.
Charlie Smith will be confident ahead of today’s game, having already defeated Tarrant 4-0 win in the reverse fixture at the start of the season.
A win would see them moving three points clear of Jonathan Grant, who will next be in action tomorrow against Waterford.
However, Charlie Smith will be cautious, as their final match of the first round will see them taking on defending Manning Cup champions and zone leaders Mona High.
In their first meeting this season, Charlie Smith were easily brushed aside 3-0 by the reigning champions, and will need a much-improved performance this time around, if they are to keep their second-round ambitions alive.
Jonathan Grant face an easier schedule on paper but head coach Kemeel Wolfe has insisted he will not be underestimating any of his opponents.
They face Waterford tomorrow before a final fixture against Gaynstead on Saturday.
While they are expected to pick up all six points from their last two games, Wolfe has warned his team about becoming complacent in the most crucial part of their campaign.
Speaking after their 1-0 win over Tarrant earlier in the round, Wolfe said it is often the teams who have little to play for that prove the hardest to defeat.
“Some of the times when teams are playing without pressure, they are the tougher teams,” he told The Gleaner.
“We have to do what we have to do and, once we take care of our games, that is all we can do. We always take it one game at a time and, if we do that and get the three points each time, then we should be okay for the second round.”