WESTERN BUREAU:
MID-SEASON champions and Zone B front-runners Negril FC and their Zone A counterparts Orange Hill will both be seeking to consolidate their positions atop the standings in their respective groups when action continues in the 2005-06 Captain's Bakery Western Super Football League with six games this afternoon).
The full slate of matches read as follows: Zone A- Negril vs Altobar, Mt. Salem vs Granville and Fogo vs Sandy Bay. In Zone B - Orange Hill vs Clarks Town, Salt Spring vs Montpelier and Invaders vs Harmony. All matches kick off at 3.30 p.m.
With their impressive record of four wins and four draws in their eight outings, the Junior Francis-coached Negril team, on 16 points, looks a safe bet to repeat their first round win against fourth place Altobar (7).
"Our primary focus is on winning this competition and qualifying for the Wray & Nephew NPL Eliminations so we are treating every game quite seriously," said Francis, whose team defeated Sandy Bay 4-2 in the competition's mid-season final. "Our programme is on track and we are quite comfortable."
While they have not been enjoying the best of season, the Altobar team, which has quality players in Lennox Whittingham, Elroy Campbell and Jeremy Bucknor, cannot be slighted and if allowed to, could surprise Negril. However, based on the allround strength and their good form this season, Negril should start firm favourites.
The full points standings read as follows: Zone A - Orange Hill- 14, Mt. Salem-10, Sandy Bay-10, Clarks Town-8, Granville-6 and Fogo-6. Zone B - Negril-16, Mountpelier-12, Harmony-12, Altobar-7, Salt Spring-7 and Invaders-6.
