Jonathan Grant's Olando Stewart (left) controlling the ball ahead of Excelsior's Akeem Nelson during yesterday's ISSA/Pepsi/JN Manning Cup second round match at the Stadium East. Excelsior won 2-1. - Ricardo Makyn Robert Bailey, Freelance Reporter

Former champions Ex-celsior High defeated Jona-than Grant High 2-1 while Bridgeport High and Camper-down High played to an exciting 3-3 draw as the second round of the 2006 ISSA/Pepsi/ JN Manning Cup competition kicked off at the Stadium East field yesterday.

In the curtain-raiser, Akeem Nelson fired Excelsior in front from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute after he was brought down by Owen Douglas. Jermaine Parris sent the Mountain View Avenue-based school further ahead in the 81st minute with a well-placed strike past Jonathan Grant's custodian Marlon Henry. André Campbell gave Jonathan Grant a glimmer of hope in the 88th minute when he headed home from close range.

Bridgeport had to work hard for a come-from-behind 3-3 draw with Camperdown.

Led by two goals from captain John-Ross Edwards, Camperdown came out firing on all cylinders. They took a third minute lead when Ramone Waite headed home a left-side cross from Paul Patterson. Edwards sent his team further ahead in the 25th minute with a beautiful 20-yard free-kick which flew like a rocket past goalkeeper Damali Oliver as Camperdown went into the break 2-0 up.

Bridgeport stepped up their game in the second period and pulled one back in the 51st minute through Andre Steele. Six minutes later Edwards restored Camper-down's two-goal cushion with a fierce shot.

However, the Anthony Patrick-coached Bridgeport fought back gallantly. In the 81st minute substitute Lorenzo Vidal slotted home from point-blank range, then Andre Clennon ensured a point for the Portmore-based school when he fired home the equaliser in injury time.

"We are happy for the point, but our finishing really let us down today because we created a lot of chances," said Patrick.

For Camperdown's assistant coach, Andrew Williams, a share of the points was disappointing.

"We are really disappointed with a draw when we looked to have a win, but I think our discipline really broke down today," said Williams. Camperdown's captain, Edwards, was shown a red card seconds before the final whistle.

Yesterday's results

Excelsior 2 Jonathan Grant 1

Bridgeport 3 Camperdown 3

Today's games

Waterford vs Norman Manley

Wolmer's vs Calabar