MONTEGO BAY, St James — The race for the top spot in the St James Football Association Sandals Resorts International Under-17 will intensify with today’s penultimate round of games as the first round draws to a close.

Five of the eight teams, led by Athletes in Action (AIA), are still in with a mathematical chance of finishing at the top.

AIA, who lead with 13 points; second-placed Irwin Academy, who are on 12 points; and St James High on 10 points are leading the race for top honours. Granville United and Green Pond High, both on nine points, are long shots.

Today, AIA, who are coming off a morale-boosting win over Irwin Academy last weekend, will take on Green Pond High at Green Pond starting at 3:00 pm and the hosts will need a win to stay in semi-final contention.

Another win for AIA, however, could see Green Pond on the outside looking in.

AIA will be without Conrad Daley, who was sent off on Saturday with Irwin High’s Jaleel Drummond, but they hope Raheem Lee, who scored both goals last weekend, and Michael Balfour will lead them to another win.

Irwin Academy are expected to rebound from their loss with a win against Granville United at Irwin High and all but secure their semi-final place.

Irwin Academy’s Detroy Reid will be hoping to extend his scoring run to six straight games and add to his league-leading eight goals.

St James High should also get full points from their game against winless Montego Bay United in the second game at the UDC field after Montego Bay Boys Club and St James Academy meet in the first game set to start at 1:30 pm.