FOR the second time this season pre-season favourites Wolmer's were denied maximum points when they were held to a 0-0 draw by Jose Marti in the ISSA Digicel/Gatorade Manning Cup at Jose Marti yesterday.

Wolmer's (26 points), who were completing their Zone F fixtures, lead the group by seven points clear of Donald Quarrie, who jumped into second after a brace from Bebeto Green saw them to a 4-1 beating of St Andrew College.

Jose Marti, who needed to win to secure second place in the group, dropped to third with 17 points.

At Jose Marti school, the visitors were the better team throughout and wasted a number of good chances through former national Under-17 striker Jason Wright.

However, after the break, the home team gave a better account of themselves and Jeremy Nelson nearly gave them the lead with a curling free kick, but goalkeeper Amel Wright was equal to the task.

Wright and Jaheel Hyde were a constant threat but they were wasteful in front of goal and failed to break the deadlock .

Wolmer's coach Ludlow Bernard believes his team gave a gutsy performance against a team that really wanted the win.

"Playing against a team in their backyard that wants to win, we had to defend very well and hats off to my defenders," he said.

Jose Marti's coach Calvert Fitzgerald said they needed the three points for an automatic berth, but now they will have to hope they go through as one of the best third-placed teams.

Meanwhile, in Zone A front-runners Excelsior and Norman Manley scored victories and completed their fixtures with almost identical statistics.

Both teams have 16 points and four goals against, but Excelsior have 26 goals delete while Norman Manley have 22.

Norman Manley clobbered Campion College 10-0 in their match, while Excelsior were 4-3 winners against Penwood, who finished third on 12 points.

In Zone B, Jamaica College stretch their lead atop the table to 10 points after Stephen Logan, Jason Wint and an own goal gave them a 3-0 win over Mona High.

They finished their preliminary games with 24 points, 10 ahead of Camperdown, with St Jago third on eight points.

In the group's other game, St Jago stopped Waterford 4-1 on a hat-trick from Taniel McKenzie and one from Romario Constant.

The competition continues this afternoon with Hydel against Denham Town, St George's playing Clan Carthy and Dunoon taking on Cumberland in Zone C.

In Zone D, Haile Selassie play Innswood, Bridgeport host St Mary's College and Calabar tackle Tivoli Gardens, while in Zone E Trench Town host Jonathan Grant and Holy Trinity take on Ascot.

Zone F will see St Andrew Technical play Charlie Smith and Ardenne entertain Kingston College.

All games start at 3:30 pm.