Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Jerome Waite - file

Norman Manley put themselves in a good position to advance from a tightly contested ISSA/Pepsi/Manning Cup Group D following a 1-1 draw with Charlie Smith in the lone game of the competition at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex yesterday.

With two games remaining the result saw Norman Manley move to 17 points, just ahead of Charlie Smith on 16, but behind Tivoli who currently lead the zone on 19.

However, while Manley will finish off their schedule against Campion and Tarrant two teams already eliminated from the competition, Charlie Smith and Tivoli will face each other before playing Tarrant and Spanish Town respectively in their final games of the round.

In a competitive game, despite slick conditions on the rain-soaked pitch, Norman Manley took the lead in the 64th minute. It was Dean Phillips who rose high to head home a cross from Yennick Morgan after the big forward made a strong run down the right flank.

The home team, however, showed their determination to stay in the competition ten minutes later as substitute Gregory Foster, who missed two previous efforts, converted a third as the ball fell to him only five yards away from goal, after a poorly attempted clearance .

"At home you are always looking for a win but a draw here was an OK result for us here today," said Charlie Smith coach Jerome Waite.

"They are a young team and it was a spirited performance, we made a couple of mistakes but we performed creditably," he added.

No complacency

Norman Manley coach Miguel Coley was also pleased with the team's performance but warned against being complacent.

"I love the spirit the team played with today, it was a tough game and we are happy for the point," Coley said.

"We have the easier schedule I think remaining, but we still have to go out there and put in the effort," he added.

Today's games

Group A: Tarrant vs Spanish Town; Campion vs Tivoli.

Group B: Pembroke Hall vs Calabar; D. Quarrie vs Waterford; Ascot vs St Mary's College.

Group E: Camperdown vs St George's; Ardenne vs Excelsior; Dunoon vs Greater Portmore.