LUCEA, Hanover — Former champions Rusea’s High and Paul Bogle High are back in the second round of the ISSA daCosta Cup football competition after both scored wins in return-leg first-round games on Monday after missing out at least one year.

Rusea’s High missed advancing last season while Paul Bogle High are making it out of the first round for the first time since the 2018 season.

Both were joined by Ben Francis KO holders Edwin Allen and Frome Technical as 12 schools have now confirmed their places in the second round. Also through are William Knibb Memorial, Cedric Titus, Manning’s School, St Elizabeth Technical, Clarendon College, York Castle, Dinthill Technical and McGrath High.

Rusea’s High’s 2-0 win over Green Island in their rescheduled game in Lucea took them to 18 points, same as Frome Technical who have played one game fewer.

The result knocked Green Island out of contention for an automatic spot.

Edwin Allen High beat Kellits High 4-1 in their Zone H game, improving to 14 points and will accompany Clarendon College as the automatic qualifiers.

Paul Bogle High finally got back to the second round after edging Morant Bay High 3-2 — following their 1-0 win in the first round — and are now on 21 points, needing just one point from their final first-round game to win Zone L.

Paul Bogle High had two previous chances to book their spot but lost both games after winning their first six.

Yallahs High edged St Thomas Technical 2-1 and moved into second place with 17 points with one game to go, while Seaforth High are on 15 points with two games to play.

Brown’s Town High edged just ahead of Oracabessa on goal difference, both on 11 points for the second spot from Zone I after contrasting results on Monday.

Brown’s Town beat Marcus Garvey Technical 2-0 while Oracabessa High were beaten by York Castle by the same margin.

Brown’s Town must avoid losing their final game to Ocho Rios by more than two goals to retain their place.

Meanwhile, Zone C qualifiers William Knibb Memorial and Cedric Titus both lost their perfect win records after playing out a 0-0 draw in Clarks Town.

Manchester High reclaimed the lead in Zone F with a big 8-0 thrashing of May Day High as previous leaders Belair High were upset 1-0 by deCarteret College who passed them for second place on goal difference, both on 18 points.

Monday’s Results

Zone B

Rusea’s 2, Green Island 0

Zone C

Cedric Titus 0, William Knibb 0

Spot Valley 1, Muschett 0

Zone F

deCarteret College 1, Belair 0

May Day 0, Manchester 8

Zone H

Thompson Town 2, Lennon 2

Kellits 1, Edwin Allen 4

Zone I

Oracabessa 0, York Castle 2

Brown’s Town 2, Marcus Garvey 0

Zone L

Paul Bogle High 3, Morant Bay 2

Robert Lightbourne vs Seaforth @ Robert Lightbourne – not played

St Thomas Tech 1, Yallahs 2

— Paul Reid