WESTERN BUREAU:

Five teams marched into the second round of the Hanover Sports Development Council's Steve 'Shorty' Malcom/Denton 'Melwood' Samuels knockout football tournament, which got under way last Sunday at the Lords' playing field in Lucea.

Kew, Police, Brissett, Chambers Pen and Central Football clubs have all advanced.

However, defending champions Prosper FC could get lucky as they have a fighting chance of advancing as the best losers, due to their not having conceded any goals during regular and added time.

Kew FC sunk the defending champions 3-2 on penalties during the opening game of the competition last Sunday.

The competition continues today with two games. In the first matchup, Drews Hill will face Church Street, while Johnson Town will take on Malcolm Heights in the second game.

Tomorrow afternoon's double-header will see Hill Stars squaring off with Esher FC, while HQ will try to ward off a challenge from Taxi FC.

Eighteen teams are participating in this year's tournament, up from 16 last year.

So far the Hanover Fire Department, Haughton Gardens, Rock River and Cross Roads have been knocked out.

In the finals set for January 25, teams will vie for the championship trophy named in the two deceased men's honour and the championship cash prize of $50,000. The runners-up will receive $20,000 and a trophy. There will also be sectional cash prizes for the leading goalscorer and the Most Valuable Player.

The competition was first staged in 2005 in memory of the late former Rusea's High School and national footballer Stephen 'Shorty' Malcolm and the late Denton 'Melwood' Samuels, also a former Rusea's and national Under-23 player.

It is being spearheaded by Hanoverian Lloyd 'Bagga' Stewart, who grew up in the community of Johnson Town before migrating to England.