By Audley Boyd and Paul Reid, Staff Reporters
WATERHOUSE RETURN to the scene of some of their greatest triumphs this season, seeking redemption after a baffling 3-0 away loss to Rivoli in last week's opening match of the second round.
After running through the first round red-hot with a 10-game unbeaten streak which gave them a title and 25 points, the men from Drewsland slumped to their second loss, at the restart to a Spanish Town team which habitually drew its contests and had only accumulated near half the number of points (13).
"We're trying to refocus the team and they seem to be responding in training," said Waterhouse executive David Henry. "The players are training much better, they realise that they need to get back on track.
"We hope for a victory tomorrow, a convincing victory, when we return back home," he said.
This afternoon at 3:00, the first-round champions will throw out their challenge at Drewsland to Westmoreland's Reno in one of two Corporate Area games.
The other is set to start at the same time at Harbour View with the hosts, who jointly lead the standings on 25 points, favoured to win. Their opponents are improving Trelawny debutantes Invaders (14 points), who recorded a surprise win in the second round opening schedule - 1-0 over Arnett Gardens.
Only four matches are on today's roster because the league's defending champions Portmore United and runners-up Arnett Gardens played CONCACAF Club Championship semi-final matches in Trinidad and Tobago last night.
The other contests are between steady Village United (19 points), who have not done particularly well at home and unsteady Constant Spring (12) at Elliston Wakeland Centre; and cellar dwelling debutantes Star Cosmos (three) hosting Rivoli, who should win the Drax Hall clash.
JUDGEMENT
If a judgement should be passed on results gained by Waterhouse since they resumed playing at Drewsland after a four-year break, then Reno, who have never won away from home this season, could spare themselves the near 200-mile journey.
In respective Drewsland matches, Waterhouse dumped Star Cosmos 2-0, Seba United 6-0, Constant Spring 5-0 and Tivoli Gardens 2-1 for 15 goals and the most measly concession, plus an important 12 points.
While statistics have meaning, the game is not played on paper, however, and though their performances don't fully reflect it, the threat of three-time champions is anything but paperweight.
In literal terms, they proved that in their opening second-round match which ended in a brawl between themselves and Seba United with the scores locked at two-all five minutes from time.
Four Seba players had to be hospitalised and a player from both teams was red carded.
The expulsion means Reno will be without midfielder Martin Williams for this afternoon's clash.
Tuesday night's meeting of the JFF's Competition's Committee, however, gave Reno three points and as many goals for the abbreviated game and besides pumping up their tally to 17 points, it would have done similar wonders to the west team's spirit going into what they believe is a tough clash.
"Their pride has been dented," pointed out Wendell Downswell, Reno's coach. "They have an impeccable record at home and a point away would be good for us, a win would be a bonus."
Downswell will look to national goalie and team leader Aaron Lawrence for inspiration to thwart the Waterhouse onslaught, which is led by menacing front duo - Nigerian Uchechukwu Chinyere and Kevin Lamey, the league's leading scorer.
