Johnson and Davis AFTER struggling against the leaders Reno on the weekend, Tivoli Gardens, who are in second place on goal difference, face Hazard who are one place off the bottom at Railway Oval at 3:00 today in the seventh round of the National Premier League.
Last Sunday's 2-2 draw was seen by Tivoli coach Allie McNab as an opportunity lost but today he will be hoping his troops take full advantage of a team which before Sunday was winless and scoreless in the competition.
"We are going to take the game seriously," coach McNab said. "Based on the points standings, if you are looking at the end of round final, we need to win our remaining games to be home and dry," he said.
The taste of victory on Sunday must have increased the appetite of Hazard and they would want to bring another big name to the table.
"Right now, we need points more than anything else," said Christopher Bender, coach of Hazard. "Tivoli have not been beaten this year at Tivoli. They are playing well. We know it's a big challenge but now that we have scored, we hope we can maintain it on Wednesday."
McNab is well aware of what the Bender-coached team can do and said on Sunday that it was only a matter of time before Hazard turned it on and woe be to the team on the receiving end.
Included in the Hazard lineup are three national defenders in national captain Linval Dixon, Claude Davis and sweeper Shavar Thomas. These are the men that the speedy, skilful and explosive Jermaine Johnson and possibly Christopher Nicholas will come up against.
National pool member Kevin Deerr, along with one of Kirk Ramsay, Roen Nelson and Kevin Reid, will come up against one of the toughest defences in the competition. They have conceded just four goals, the same as Hazard and Waterhouse.
In that defensive unit are Marco McDonald, who is a national squad member, Conroy Brown, Kasai Hinds, Amos Israel and Orville Campbell. The key to the game is defence and any breach could signal the end for the unlucky team. Tivoli are known to score early and could have the edge.
Other games on in the Corporate Area are Olympic Gardens against Arnett Gardens at Cling Oval at 3:00 while Harbour View will host Wadadah at Harbour View.
By Nodley Wright
Staff Reporter
TODAY'S GAMES
Tivoli Gardens vs Hazard at Railway Oval 3:00 p.m.
Olympic Gardens vs Arnett Gardens at Cling Cling Oval 3:00 p.m.
Harbour View vs Wadadah at Harbour View 3:00 p.m.
Seba United vs Constant Spring at Jarrett Park 7:00 p.m.
Reno vs Waterhouse at Frome 3:00 p.m.
