Hydel seeking Eltham’s scalps in push for Manning Cup title

Often falling just short on the cusp of glory in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Manning Cup competition, Hydel High assistant coach Kirk Newman said a win against Eltham High today will be the first stepping stone towards their title charge this season.

Hydel extended their win streak to three games in Zone A of the Manning Cup when they defeated Dunoon Park Technical High 4-1 on Thursday.

They will put their unbeaten record to the test when they face off against Eltham today in a highly anticipated top-of-the-table Zone A clash.

The teams were originally set to face each other last Monday, but bad weather forced the game to be postponed until a week later.

Eltham currently lead Zone A with nine points, tied with Hydel, but boast a superior goal difference of 20, compared to Hydel’s 16.

Eltham will be Hydel’s sternest test so far this season as last year’s beaten finalists will seek to take control of the zone away from their Spanish Town-based rivals.

Newman said he is confident his players will be up to the task as they have proven their quality as title contenders.

“We told them to remember what we practised in training first and foremost,” he said. “Moving forward, we have to do the same in Monday’s game against Eltham and execute our game plan. We believe in the guys and we know that Hydel can go straight to the final as we’re very confident.”

Eltham will be hoping they can continue their fairytale run in the Manning Cup with another victory.

They enter the fixture fresh from scoring 15 goals in their last two fixtures, which included a 10-0 drubbing of Ardenne High.

Eltham will also be buoyed by their stellar defensive record as they are yet to concede a goal this season.

Also on the day, Zone E will be in action as leaders Wolmer’s Boys take on Denham Town High in a return fixture.

The last time the two teams met, Wolmer’s ran out comfortable 2-0 victors over a disorganised Denham Town.

Tivoli will also play hosts to Edith Dalton James High as they seek to keep the pressure at the top of the table against Wolmer’s.

Meanwhile, St Jago High will seek to continue their rise up the table when they face St Mary’s College at home.

Today’s games:

Eltham vs Hydel at Eltham

Wolmer’s Boys vs Denham Town at Mico University College

St. Jago vs St Mary’s College at St Jago

Tivoli vs Edith Dalton James at Tivoli