PORT Antonio High advanced to the second round of the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association/WATA daCosta Cup football competition for the first time since the 2019 season, after beating Titchfield High 2-0 in their Zone N return match on Friday.

Port Antonio, who were third in their zone last season with six points from six games, finished their schedule with 10 points. They took second place behind zone winners Happy Grove, who extended their perfect record to six games after edging Fair Prospect 3-2.

A total of 20 teams have qualified for the second round of the competition, with another eight expected to secure their places on Saturday when the competition continues with 21 games.

On Friday, Kerone George scored in the 25th minute and Shavarie Walker added a second in the 85th minute for Port Antonio High who finished the game with 10 players, after Danjae Wright was red-carded in the 88th minute.

Happy Grove High won their zone for the third-straight year when they outscored Fair Prospect High. Sean Williams scored in the seventh and 90th minutes, while and Shevon Miller netted in the 37th minute.

Micheal Powell, in the 48th minute, and Ryeem Davidson in the 65th scored for Fair Prospect.

Former champions Rusea’s High and Dinthill Technical won their zones.

Rusea’s ended 0-0 against fellow second-round qualifiers Frome Technical to complete the first round with 20 points. Rusea’s compiled one point more than second-place Frome.

Tyrese Gowe scored all four goals as Dinthill Technical beat Enid Bennett 4-1 to take their perfect win record to seven games. In the process they improved to an unassailable 21 points.

On Saturday a number of schools will be able to punch their tickets for the next round. Three teams are still in the running for the two other spots to join Zone C qualifiers Cedric Titus.

Ocho Rios High, who are in second place on 16 points, meet Brown’s Town who are on 14 points. A win would all but cement Ocho Rios High’s place in the next round.

Black River High, who were fifth in Zone D last year with seven points, need only a point from their game against Knockalva Technical to join Manning’s School in the next round.

Black River are on 13 points and in third place. They are tied with Petersfield High who would advance if Knockalva Technical were to beat Black River for a second time this season.

BB Coke High must avoid losing when they meet zone winners St Elizabeth Technical, in their Zone E game, if they are to advance. Fellow contenders Munro College could beat them on goal difference if they get full points from Lacovia High.

BB Coke are on 19 points, three more than Munro College.

— Paul A Reid