Spanish Town 's Jerome Ennis and Kevon Nembhard (right) celebrate after scoring against Calabar earlier this season. - File

Jermaine Lannaman, Star Writer

Excelsior coach Leebert Halliman has backed his team to keep overcoming obstacles as they face a motivated Spanish Town in a crucial encounter to decide which team will advance from Group H, to the semi-finals of the ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel Manning Cup.

Excelsior lead the group on goal difference over Spanish Town after both recorded wins in their opening two encounters against Calabar and Donald Quarrie.

"The odds are against us as we have to play them at their home ground, but we will have to go out there and defend our goal cushion," said Halliman.

"We have been moving a lot of roadblocks since the start of the season, including the exodus of several of our senior players to different schools.

"This is just another one (roadblock) that we will have to contend with, and it will be a matter of who wants it more."

Among those the boys from Mountain View will be depending on to bring them home are forward Brian Richards, who netted five times in their 6-1 thumping of Donald Quarrie in the last match.

Excelsior have six points with a plus-seven goal difference, while Spanish have six points, with a plus-two goal difference.

It means that for Spanish Town to advance they will have to win, while for Excelsior all that is needed is a draw.

Spanish Town will place their hopes on forward Kevon Nemhard, who netted a brace in their 2-1 win over Calabar on Monday, midfielder and captain Owen Walters, goalkeeper Sean Paul Desouza and national Under-17 left back Nathaniel Leslie.

"It is a must-win game for us and as such we will be putting all stops to win it," said Spanish Town coach Anthony Thompson.

"It will require us to bring out our A game and based on what the players are saying, they look like they are up to it, and I anticipate a good game."

TODAY'S MATCHES

Donald Quarrie vs Calabar @ Prison Oval at 1 p.m.

Spanish Town vs Excelsior @ Prison Oval at 3 p.m.