FORMER champions Charlie Smith High will aim to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the second round of the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association/Digicel Manning Cup competition when they take on Tarrant High on Tuesday.

The Zone B game is scheduled to be played at Charlie Smith High School, starting at 3:00 pm.

With two rounds of matches remaining in the preliminary phase of the competition, Charlie Smith, on 15 points, are tied for second place in the zone on goal difference with Jonathan Grant High. The Eugene Williams-coached Charlie Smith hold a 12-goal advantage over Jonathan Grant.

Defending champions Mona High lead the group with 22 points. Waterford are fourth in the zone with 10 points, followed by Tarrant with six, and Gaynstead High with none.

Charlie Smith defeated Tarrant 4-0 in their first meeting of the season, and Williams is confident his team can complete the double over their opponents today.

“This is a very important game for us because three points will put us a step closer to qualifying for the round of 16 in the competition. The boys are confident based on the fact that we defeated them already this season so they know that they can do it again,” he said.

“We have a whole week to put in some training and do some tactical work, because we know that this is a very important game for us and so the boys are focused and ready to deliver,” Williams noted.

Meanwhile, the battle for the top spot in Zone D is intriguingly poised between St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) and Calabar High.

Both teams are separated by goal difference going into this afternoon’s round of Zone D matches. They are locked on 19 points each, however Calabar hold a 10-goal difference advantage over STATHS.

Haile Selassie High are third in the zone with 12 points, followed by Vauxhall High (10), Camperdown High with eight, and Kingston Technical with none. In other games, Calabar are set to host Vauxhall at their Red Hills Road base; STATHS are to face Kingston Technical at Collie Smith Drive; and Camperdown are scheduled to play away to Haile Selassie.

TUESDAY’S GAMES

•Ascot vs Pembroke Hall @ Dunbeholden

•Haile Selassie vs Camperdown @ Haile Selassie

•Calabar vs Vauxhall @ Calabar High

•STATHS vs Kingston Technical @ Collie Smith Drive