Manning’s School could secure a place in the second round of the ISSA/Wata daCosta Cup competition for the first time since 2015, if they can score victory over Maud McLeod High in their Zone D return-round game in Darliston today.

Manning’s School, who finished fourth in the zone for the last three seasons, lead with 16 points, four more than second-placed Petersfield High.

They will take the best defensive record in the entire competition into the game, seeking to repeat their first-round 3-0 win over Maud McLeod, who are currently in fifth position on seven points.

Victory would see the Savanna-la-Mar-based school join former champions Frome Technical, Annotto Bay High and McGrath High, who have already booked second-round spots.

Petersfield High will be hunting a fourth-straight win to boost their chances at the runner-up spot when they face Grange Hill in one of 25 games down to be contested.

Defending champions Clarendon College could also move within touching distance of a place in the next round, when they face second-placed Edwin Allen in a rescheduled Zone H fixture, while Annotto Bay will be seeking a sixth-straight win when they take on Carron Hall High in Zone J after blanking the last-placed team 4-0 in the first round.

Rusea’s High will seek to close the gap on Zone B leaders Frome Technical when they meet Green Island in a rescheduled game.

The race in Zone A is tight, with one point separating the top three teams. Today’s game between second-placed Anchovy High and third-placed St James could go a far way in helping to decide one of the spots for the second round.

Cornwall College, who are on 14 points and lead Anchovy on goal-difference, will be home to Irwin High, who are coming off their first win.

Manchester High dropped points for the first time this season on Monday when Mile Gully came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw. They will be seeking to atone today when they host Belair, while second-placed BB Coke and third-placed May Day High, will meet in the other encounter.