THOMPSON TOWN, Clarendon — Lennon High and former champions Clarendon College yesterday advanced to the second round of the ISSA/Wata daCosta Cup competition despite contrasting results in their Zone H return-leg first-round games.

Lennon High blanked Thompson Town 3-0 with two goals from Tyrese Harrison, while Clarendon College were leading Kellits High 5-1 after about 60 minutes when the game was called off due to heavy rains and a waterlogged field at Kellits.

It is understood that the remaining 30 minutes of the game will be played at a later date.

As a result of their win, Lennon High, the Ben Francis KO champions in 2016, joined Clarendon College on 15 points at the top of the tables and both schools will take the automatic qualifying spots joining three other schools that advanced on Saturday.

St Elizabeth Technical, Dinthill Technical and Charlemont High were the first schools to advance after wins on Saturday.

Today, five more schools can add their names to the list that have qualified for the second round, while three schools can win their zones and earn important ranking points for the next round when the competition continues this afternoon with 35 games.

Cornwall College, Cedric Titus, Manchester High, Garvey Maceo High, and Port Antonio High can all make progress today.

Additionally, Cornwall College, St Elizabeth Technical and Port Antonio High can win their respective zones as well.

A point from their game away to Anchovy High would be sufficient to see Cornwall College advance to the second round, but if they can win their eighth-straight game, the three points would see them top the zone for the fourth time in the last six seasons.

Cornwall College lead the zone with 21 points, eight more than second-placed St James High, who had beaten Anchovy High 4-0 in the first round, but will play away today.

Aiden Jokomba has scored in his last three games and, after scoring a hat-trick in less than 10 minutes against Irwin High on Saturday, will be eager to add to his eight so far.

Anchovy High, under the guidance of former national player Hector Wright, has been competitive this year for the first time in years and after slipping to third in the zone, but are facing a must-win game if they are to stay in the race.

A draw would also be good enough for Cedric Titus, who have won their last five games in a row and lead Zone C by six points and take on a desperate Spot Valley High team that has scored just three goals in their last six games. Spot Valley are in danger of missing the second round for the first time in three years, having slipped to third in the zone.

Cedric Titus are on 18 points, six more than second-placed Herbert Morrison, who will be hoping to rebound from their home loss to Cedric Titus on Saturday when they host William Knibb.

Manchester High look set to take their place in the second round as they face Belair High, who they had beaten 2-1 in the first round and are well set on 19 points, four more than second-placed BB Coke in Zone F.

Port Antonio High have a seven-point lead in Zone L, and a second win against Happy Grove today would see them win the zone.

Port Antonio High, who have won the one the last three years are on 19 points, are well clear of second-placed Fair Prospect, who face Horace Clarke High.

Garvey Maceo, winners of seven in a row, need only a draw against last-placed Cross Keys High, who they hammered 6-1 in the first round and it could be safe to pencil them in for the win and to tie up the zone honours.

Meanwhile, Glenmuir High and Debigh High, separated by one goal-difference, tied on 13 points for second place, will meet at Denbigh.

The winner of today’s game would go into pole position to take the second automatic qualifying spot behind Garvey Maceo.

STETHS have already secured safe passage through to the second round and a win today against debutants Sydney Pagon High would see them lock up zone honours for the ninth-straight year.

— Paul Reid