MANDEVILLE, Manchester — There are no major surprises at the half-way stage of the Manchester FA/Magnum/Captain’s Bakery Major League, with defending champions Hillstars FC occupying the same position that they ended last season in: top spot.

After a surprise defeat in the Brumalia House Knockout final in December, the Spalding-based side seemed to be back on track in the Major League, winning their last four cross-zone fixtures to widen the gap at the top of Zone One to six points.

Their most recent victory was a last-gasp 1-0 win over Land Settlement on Sunday. For the second week in a row, schoolboy Thorn Simpson was the goalscoring hero, netting in the 90th minute to push his side’s tally to 22 points.

The result created some breathing space between the title holders and second-placed Mile Gully FC, who were upset 2-0 by Villa United at Brooks Park.

Ronaldo Watson scored twice for Villa, who improved 10 points in Zone Two, but remain some 11 points adrift of the semi-final places.

Meanwhile, KO champions Ricam Academy dropped points for only the third game this season, but are yet to taste defeat despite squandering a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 with Comfort FC.

The point means Ricam remain at the top of Zone Two, but only on goal difference after Downs FC joined them on 21 points, following a 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Greenvale United (six).

Gary McDonald got both goals for Downs, who moved three points clear of fellow south Manchester side Alligator Pond, who could only manage a goalless draw with George’s Valley (10).

Elsewhere, former champions Porus FC recorded their second win of the season after they outscored promoted Old England 3-2. The victory was good enough to lift them out of the drop zone on seven points.

– Oshane Tobias