THE clash between Manchester High and Spalding at Kirkvine Sports Club will highlight the first round of the Ben Francis KO which kicks off today with seven matches, all set to start at 3:00 pm.

A winner must be decided in each game and if the scores are tied at full time, extra time and penalties will be used, if necessary.

Manchester have been the dominant team in the region for a number of years, but will face a Spalding team yet to drop a point this year while scoring 32 goals in nine games. They look poised for an upset win today.

Meanwhile, four former champions — Cornwall College, Frome Technical, Clarendon College and Garvey Maceo — will be in action as they seek places in Saturday's quarter-finals. Seven-time winners Cornwall are returning to the KO competition for the first time in five seasons.

Two-time defending champions St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) were given a bye and will enter at the second round against the winners of the Garvey Maceo-Kemps Hill game.

Cornwall will face William Knibb at Jarrett Park in a game that should be closely contested. Cornwall had to wait until Saturday to book their place with a 6-0 drubbing of Maldon High to best St James High on goal-difference in Zone A.

William Knibb, who were one of the first to book their place, could afford a draw in their final Zone C game.

Frome will meet Grange Hill in a 'border clash' at Frome Sports Club. Frome finished ahead of an inconsistent Rusea's in Zone B, while Grange Hill won Zone D, conceding just one goal in the process.

Clarendon College should get the better of Cedric Titus at Brancourt, while Garvey Maceo should start favourites against Kemps Hill at Jamalco.

Today's Ben Francis KO Schedule:

Cornwall vs William Knibb @ Jarrett Park

Frome vs Grange Hill @ Frome

Manchester vs Spalding @ Kirkvine

Clarendon vs Cedric Titus @ Brancourt

St Mary Tech vs Dinthill Tech @ Highgate

Paul Bogle vs Port Antonio @ York Oval

Garvey Maceo vs Kemps Hill @ Jamalco