Manchester High moved within three points of securing the first inter-zone berth from Zone F in the daCosta Cup competition with a 5-0 win over Cross Keys in Mandeville yesterday.

Manchester, which hosted the game again due to an improper home venue at Cross Keys, surged to 16 points, still five clear of second-place Bellefield, who defeated Belair 3-1. Cross Keys remained winless but would have been heartened by their second half performance in which they frustrated the Manchester High strikers while mounting a few serious attacks.

The first-round encounter had ended 10-0 and early signs of a goal feast loomed when Cross Keys conceded an own goal in the first minute. Andre Beckford, who had scored in his team's big first-round win, provided the second goal in the seventh minute, and he merrily mined a hat-trick, following additional strikes in the 18th and 39th minutes. Andray Smith's goal in the 35th minute helped Manchester furnish a 5-0 scoreline five minutes before half-time, but not even the staunchest Cross Keys supporter could have predicted the second-half resistance and goal drought.

Manchester missed numerous chances, leaving their coach Barry Watson still concerned about his team's general conversion rate, despite their unbeaten run to date and general dominance of the zone. Even the large contingent of Manchester home spectators, seemingly bored by the lack of goals, cheered heavily each time Cross Keys were able to counter-attack through their lone threat upfront, Newton Solomon.