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Hydel's Brad Tulley (left) keeps a close eye on Calabar's Romario Dixon during their Lime/ISSA Manning Cup match last week.

Shavar Thomas

Donovan Hayles

Shayne Fairman, Star Writer,

Hydel currently sit top of Group F on 13 points after four wins and will be looking to remain sole leader when they play third-place St Jago at the Spanish Town Prison Oval in St Catherine today at 3:30 p.m.

In what is expected to be a fiercely competitive contest, Hydel enter the game with a slight psychological advantage, having edged St Jago 1-0 in their home game. Hydel's coach Donovan Hayles rules out his team as favourites.

"I don't consider my team favourites to win, if others want to consider it they can. Our first match wasn't easy against St Jago, even though we managed to edge them. They are a hard running and fit bunch so I'm expecting a tough game," he said. St Jago come into the match with three straight wins but two losses.

"They will be very competitive, but my boys will not be daunted," Hayles added.

Important players

Hayles added that he hopes the clash brings out the best from his team, having scored 24 goals with only one against.

"We will try to play well and score without conceding, even though we have three important players sick and doubtful for tomorrow's game," Hayles said.

Former national team captain and current St Jago coach, Shavar Thomas, believes his team, with nine points from three wins and two losses, is capable of putting the break on Hydel's free scoring run.

"We will be coming to take points off the group leader (Hydel). Our aim is to win and stop them because we need points to qualify for the next round," he said.

St Jago lost away to Hydel, while Calabar also upset them 3-1 at home. Thomas believes his team, however, should not be ruled out.

"Some of our good players didn't play well before. We have ironed out some glitches so we are ready to get positive results once everyone brings their best game," concluded Thomas.

In the other Group F matches Penwood will play Calabar, while Eltham will face St Catherine. In Group B Charlie Smith will play Mona, while Excelsior will battle Cumberland. Among Group C contenders, Innswood will face St Mary's College and Tivoli will play Edith Dalton James. All games are scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m.