THE spotlight turns on the Hong Kong First Division's also-rans in the semi-finals of the Esso FA Cup at the Hong Kong Stadium today. Kui Tan, who finished seventh in the First Division this season, have earned a crack at the FA Cup-holders and league champions Eastern by beating Sing Tao 3-1 in the first round and Voicelink 2-0 in the quarter-finals. The second semi-final will be between Happy Valley, who finished sixth in the table, and Kitchee, who won their final league game of the season against Sing Tao to climb above Valley and end the campaign in fifth place. While a semi-final appearance is now business as usual for Eastern, the other three clubs will take centre stage in the absence of South China, Instant-Dict and Sing Tao. Kui Tan have relied on a five-strong defence, a strong-running midfield and counter-attack tactics to keep the points ticking over this season. Central defenders Richard Crossley and Richard Webb and striker Derek Hunter have performed heroics and the signings of midfielder Steven Raynes and striker John MacDonald from First Division rivals Rangers have added a bit of flair to the attack. Eastern have beaten Kui Tan 3-1 and 3-2 in the league and they will be at full strength - apart from long-term injury victim Paul Nixon - for today's semi-final, with skipper Lee Kin-wo expected to partner leading scorer Dale Tempest through the middle. While Kitchee intend to field the same team which beat Instant 1-0 on Thursday evening, Happy Valley will be without mainland centre-half Wang Dongning. In other news, Sing Tao have agreed terms for next season with goalkeeper Harvey Lim but the future of midfielder David Clarkson is in doubt. And Instant-Dict central defender Roddy Manley, who is wanted by Scottish Premier Division club Dundee, will decide his future this week.
