Daraine Luton, Freelance Writer
YOUNG
WHEN HAZARD United prevented Arnett Gardens from completing a three-peat in 2003, Lenworth Hyde and his men spent most of their days leading up to the grand finals at Morgan's Harbour, Port Royal.
The club's name has since been changed to Portmore United. The squad has been shifted around somewhat and Hyde is no longer the coach. But that's just about it. Portmore's players continue to burst with confidence, their opponents in the finals are the defending champions and as insignificant as it may appear, they are camping at Morgan's Harbour again.
Coach Paul Young believes it is their lucky spot as every-time they have camped there they came up trumps - except for last year when they were stopped in the semi-final.
GOOD ATMOSPHERE
"It is our lucky place. The last time we camped here for a final we won. It is cozy and nice ... a very good atmosphere for the players and they really enjoy it here," Young said.
"I hope the trend continues," he added.
Young and the Portmore aggregation are not leaving their faith in the hands of father time or mother luck though.
Last evening they had a light training session at Ferdie Neita Park. It was geared at allowing the players to relax their muscles after Sunday's 3-1 win over Waterhouse. They plan to relax and play dominoes today ahead of tomorrow's first leg clash against Tivoli Gardens.
ON THE OFFENSIVE
Young, a former national striker, said that Portmore will be paying a bit more attention on their offensive game but apart from that, there are no real changes in the team's training.
"The players know they have no time
to celebrate. They know what is required over the next week and they are focused and ready to go. Tivoli is a very good team but my players want this one," said Young.
Rudolph Austin, the man who scored a free kick against Waterhouse and was then injured by his teammate who fell on him in celebration, had an X-Ray but the results were not available at press time.
"It was a heroic performance by him. If he can't play in the final I am sure the players will do it for him," Young said.
