MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Porus upset Georges Valley 1-0 in their top-of-the-table clash at Kirkvine to qualify for the semi-finals of the JB Rum/Captain’s Bakery Manchester Major League.

The central Manchester side got the winner from Sanjae Whittingham in minute 57, which enabled them to establish an unassailable eight-point lead over joint third-placed teams Villa United (19) and Greenvale (19).

With the win, Porus also replaced Georges Valley at the top of Zone One on 27 points.

Valley actually led the group for the entire second round and needed only a point to clinch a last-four berth. But, after this result, they now find themselves in a three-way tussle with Villa United and Greenvale, who both have a game in hand, for the last spot.

They remain on 25 points, and could still qualify for the semi-final as zone winners, but need at least a point from their last game against Villa to join Porus in the last four.

Meanwhile, Zone Two front runners Hillstars and Downs secured their semi-final spots with two games to spare. Hillstars (34) advanced as group winners, while Downs clinched second place with 28 points.

The only bit of business to be concluded in Zone Two is the relegation battle between Mile Gully (13) and Kendal FC (11). Mile Gully, who have a superior goal difference, need only a point from their last game of the season against Downs to avoid the drop, while Kendal must beat Ricam Academy (18) and hope their rivals lose.