Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
FRIDAY'S RULINGS by the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) have altered the position of a number of teams going into the penultimate series of matches in the Wray and Nephew National Premier League.
To begin with, runaway leaders Tivoli Gardens do not have their hands on that $1 million bounty for ending the season with the most points and as such need at least two more points from their remaining two games to get themselves back in that position.
Harbour View, who played to an unimpressive draw with Star Cosmos on Wednesday, were awarded two extra points as it was determined that the already relegated Star Cosmos used ineligible players - the third time this season.
That news for Harbour View rendered Tivoli's celebrations premature. Harbour View, now on 59 points, can finish with a maximum of 65, one ahead of Tivoli's current tally.
In the other ruling, Waterhouse, also a contender for a place in the semi-finals, were fined $100,000 following an incident during half-time of the match which they hosted with fellow contenders Rivoli. Had they been docked the three points as many believed should have happened they would have slipped to the outside of the semi-final race.
As it is, the race is really on between Harbour View, Portmore (56 points), Water-house and Village (both 53 points) for the remaining two places. Rivoli would have to win today's match as well as their next fixture against Reno and hope that Waterhouse and Village do not get to 56 points, the maximum Rivoli can get.
At Constant Spring, Tivoli Gardens can expect no favours from the team coached by Geoffrey Maxwell, who once guided Tivoli Gardens.
NO FAVOURS
"It is critical for Tivoli because with Harbour View getting the points from Star Cosmos, Tivoli have to come out for a win," said Maxwell as he looked ahead to today's game against the Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey-coached team.
"Whereas they took the game against Village lightly (on Wednesday), they will have to come at us, which could turn out either way for them," Maxwell continued.
The view could be held that Constant Spring have nothing to play for as they have no chance of getting into the semis and are in no danger of being relegated Star Cosmos have secured their spot and Seba seem headed there. For Constant Spring though, the game could be their last opportunity this season to cause some damage.
That damage will probably have to be done without key defender Marlon Bennett, who is recovering from injury. Fellow defender Ian Mighty is also injured. Captain Fabian Dawkins, goalkeeper Leighton Murray and forward Markeino Gillings will have big roles to play if Tivoli are to be stopped, temporarily at least.
Brian Rose, manager of Tivoli Gardens, expressed a similar view to Maxwell in that they cannot afford to be careless.
"Originally we had planned to rest some players but based on the ruling we have to go for maximum points," Rose said.
The change of plan means that forward Roland Dean, midfielders Fabian Davis and Steve Green will return to the starting line-up along with defender Denroy Gordon.
Christopher Nicholas will still be missing, however, while Lenworth Hyde Jnr is expected to sit out the game on suspension.
HARBOUR VIEW BEST PLACED
Of the other semi-final hopefuls, hosts Harbour View are best placed as they are all but in the semis already. Waterhouse and Village can get a maximum 59 points if they win their remaining two games but they will have to face Harbour View and Portmore respectively in their final game. Portmore on 56 points are expected to move up to 59 with a win over Invaders.
To formalise their semi-final place Harbour View need just a point from their remaining two games. Coach Donovan Hayles will not let his team slack off.
"Our performance in the last game was very poor but I am happy for the two points though they were won around the round table," Hayles said of his team's position.
"We are not going to go there with any lackadaisical attitude. We have a moral obligation to perform at our highest level regardless of the position that we think we are in. It is also down to that point where consistency is most important so we have to get that going," he continued.
TODAY'S GAMES
Constant Spring vs Tivoli Gardens - 3:30 p.m.
Harbour View vs Rivoli- 3:30 p.m.
Arnett Gardens vs Waterhouse - 4:30 p.m.
Seba vs Village - 6:00 p.m.
Invaders vs Portmore - 3:30 p.m.
Reno vs Star Cosmos - 3:30 p.m.
