By Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

Norman Manley's Romario Campbell dribbles away from St. Jago's Radjeey Chattrie during Manning Cup action at the Tinson Pen playingfield yesterday. Norman Manley won 4-0. - Colin Hamilton

Norman Manley defeated St. Jago 4-0 to secure a place in the second round of the ISSA/Pepsi/JN Manning Cup schoolboy football competition.

In the match played at Tinson Pen yesterday, Nicholas Anderson with a brace and Norman Bailey and Kemar Lawrence scored for Norman Manley, who have won three titles, in 1996, 2000 and 2002.

The win pushed the Maxfield-based school to 20 points, and along with Spanish Town (21 points), secured the two top places in Group B.

Over in Group D, things are very tight. Eltham, who drew 1-1 with Camperdown, moved to 21 points while the latter moved to 13.

However, like Camperdown who have three matches to play, Campion College, who defeated Kingston High 5-1, could spoil the party for Eltham, the group favourites.

Shamir Saddler with a hat-trick and a goal each from André Lee and Kemoi Burke scored for Campion who can move to 25 points if they win all three remaining matches while Eltham, even if they beat Kingston High, can only get 24.

Campion's coach, Andrew Salmon, said yesterday's victory was a big boost.

"This was a big win for us. We have been scoring, but this high-scoring game was a big boost as the group might come down to goal difference." said Salmon.

He was referring to the possibility that if they win two and lose to Camperdown and Eltham draw, all three teams could end up on 22 points.

Meanwhile, the Group A battle continues between former champions Excelsior and Waterford, who defeated St. Mary's College 4-1.

Conrad White and Mark Walters evenly shared the four goals for the Portmore-based Waterford.

Waterford moved to the top of the Group with 21 points, one more than Excelsior who have a game in hand. Both teams have qualified for the second round, but only the group winner is assured of a place in the Walker Cup.

Yesterday's results

Norman Manley 4 St. Jago 0

Waterford 4 St. Mary's 1

DQ 1 Mona 1

Campion 5 Kingston High 0

Eltham 1 Camperdown 1

Today's matches

Pembroke Hall vs Ardenne

KC vs Bridgeport