Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
HAVING CONQUERED the Caribbean, defending champions Portmore United will now turn their attention to the Wray and Nephew National Premier League and more specifically Tivoli Gardens the team they meet today at 3:00 p.m.
Portmore United are in third position on 26 points, the same as Tivoli Gardens, but have a game in hand. Nothing but a tough and exciting game should be expected at Ferdie Neita Park as both teams have always looked good against each other.
"First of all the rivalry between ourselves and Tivoli Gardens has always been competitive. We dethroned them last year also so there is that factor as well," said Paul Young, coach of Portmore United, as he looked ahead to today's clash.
Outside of leaders Harbour View, Portmore United have the stingiest defence having conceded only 10 goals and they have lost just one game. On the other hand, Tivoli Gardens have won more games, eight to Portmore's six but have lost six games themselves and drawn two. Portmore have won six and drawn eight.
Young recognised that Tivoli can score, but is not overly
worried despite the absence of
first-string goalkeeper Shawn Sawyers who will be out for about three to four weeks with a shoulder injury.
"They have some good match-winners on their team, but we will have the home advantage this time and we intend to make it count. We want to score early and take it to them," Young said.
EXPECTING A TOUGH GAME
Tivoli Gardens' manager, Brian Rose, is expecting a tough game based on the history between the two teams and the current mind-set of the Portmore United players.
"It will be a difficult game. Portmore are on a high now as the Caribbean club champions and they are also the defending champions," Rose stated.
His team, Rose added, will be focussed on what it has to do and that is to get three points.
"With this being a league
system, our aim is to get three points as we do not want to be too far behind the leaders," said Rose.
If they are to get the three points they will have to do so without defensive rock Victor Thompson, Jameel Thompson and the still injured Jermaine Johnson. Roland Dean is also not 100 per cent fit. They will, however, benefit from the return of captain and defensive stabiliser Kasai Hinds and midfielder Waheem Walker.
In Thompson's place could fit Dwight Heron, while Christopher Nicholas, last season's leading scorer is, still expected to take charge of the goalscoring line.
For their part, Portmore United will be able to call on the services of Anthony Modeste, Chris Dawes, Omar Daley, the Wolfe brothers Kemeel and Rafe, Oneil McDonald and a strong defence led by Tyrone Sawyers. Kevin Deerr is also expected back to strengthen the team.
With the personnel available to them, Tivoli's inconsistent form and home advantage, Portmore should be favoured today.
WATERHOUSE TO CONTINUE RUN
In other games today, Waterhouse are expected to continue their good run of form with a win over Constant Spring at Constant Spring while Reno could return to their winning ways at home when they host Wadadah at Frome. The Collie Smith Drive clash should generate some excitement but with all things not being bright, beautiful in Arnett Gardens, the quality of the game could be below what would normally happen. Boys' Town have shown good qualities throughout the season and could spring an upset.
In the late game at Jarrett Park, a re-energised Seba United will be hoping to make it three wins in a row but with leaders Harbour View being their opponents, that is unlikely to happen.
Village United have lost two games in a row and have slipped out of the top five. They are strongest at home and should register another win when they host Rivoli. Leading goalscorer Fabian Dawkins should add to his tally.
STANDINGS
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| Harbour View | 16 | 14 | 0 | 2 | 29 | 7 | 22 | 42 |
| Waterhouse | 16 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 25 | 15 | 10 | 31 |
| Portmore | 15 | 6 | 8 | 1 | 19 | 10 | 9 | 26 |
| Tivoli Gardens | 16 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 28 | 17 | 11 | 26 |
| Village | 16 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 24 | 20 | 4 | 24 |
| Arnett Gardens | 16 | 6 | 4 | 6 | 17 | 21 | -4 | 22 |
| Reno | 16 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 12 | 0 | 17 |
| Boys' Town | 15 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 12 | 13 | -1 | 17 |
| Seba | 16 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 19 | 28 | -9 | 16 |
| Rivoli | 16 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 13 | 27 | -12 | 13 |
| Wadadah | 16 | 3 | 4 | 9 | 12 | 26 | -15 | 13 |
| Constant Spring | 16 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 11 | 24 | -13 | 8 |
TODAYS GAMES
Constant Spring vs Waterhouse at the Spring Complex - 3:00 p.m.
Reno vs Wadadah at Frome - 3:00 p.m.Portmore United vs Tivoli Gardens at Ferdie Neita Park - 3:00 p.m.
Arnett Gardens vs Boys' Town at Tony Spaulding Sports Complex - 3:30 p.m.
Seba United vs Harbour View at Jarrett Park - 6:00 p.m.
Village United vs Rivoli United at Elleston Wakeland Centre - 3:00 p.m.
