MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Downs secured the last semi-final spot from Zone Two of the JB Rum/Captain’s Bakery Manchester Major League after rallying for a 1-1 draw with Hillstars at the Kirkvine Sports Club on Tuesday.

With Comfort, the other semi-final contender, losing 1-0 to Ricam Academy in the early kick-off, Downs needed only to avoid defeat to join zone leaders Hillstars in the last four.

But the south Manchester side fell behind after 23 minutes when Jermaine Green shot Hillstars into the lead. However, it did not take them long to recover, with Gary McDonald popping up with the equaliser seven minutes later.

The result means that Downs moved five points clear of Comfort on 28 points – a total that cannot be surpassed with just one game left in the prelims – while Hillstars, on 34 points, finished as zone winners.

At the other end of the table, Kevaughn Isaacs netted a brace either side of half-time as Mile Gully outscored Kendal 3-2 to ease their relegation fears.

The former Premier League side, who have not played below the Major League level in over 20 years, moved two points clear of Kendal and, with a superior goal difference, can avoid the drop with a point from their next game.

On Thursday, Zone One leaders Georges Valley (25 points) will look to secure top spot and a semi-final berth when they meet second-placed Porus (24) at Kirkvine, starting at 5: 00 pm.

In other games, third-placed Villa United (19) face fourth-placed Greenvale (19), while New Green tackle Alligator Pond in the relegation battle.

— Oshane Tobias