Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

WITH THE end of first-round finalists already decided, the key clash in the final set of games in the Wray and Nephew National Premier League is between Portmore United and Reno, who are in third and fourth places, respectively.

Having already surrendered any chances of earning extra money in this round, they will be looking at the bigger picture and trying to get as close as possible to the big two - Waterhouse and Harbour View.

Fighting unit

Reno have built themselves into a decent fighting unit despite the absence of strong financial backing. They have not lost a match at home - both at Frome and STETHS - all season and will be looking to maintain that form.

In their last home game, they responded strongly for a 1-1 draw with defending champions Waterhouse and against Portmore United a similar - if not better - effort is expected.

"We are looking forward to a positive performance," said former national head coach Wendell Downswell, who is now conditioning the Reno team.

Downswell was full of praise for the players and the management staff for what he has termed a strong performance.

"We are on 17 points towards the end of the first round and there is a strong possibility that we could end the round with 20. It will not be easy as there is never an easy game against Portmore United but we want to preserve our unbeaten home record and improve our tally to 20, so we are treating this game as a cup final," he said.

While they have not made any big signings in the off-season, the likes of Kendrie Quarrie, a rejuvenated Kirk Wright, Fabian Blake, Gary McIntosh and Ricardo Scott have been excellent for Reno. Goalkeeper Dwayne Kerr, who is keen to regain a national invitation, has also been good between the sticks. Most things about the Portmore United team say class and when they play with belief, hardly any team in the league can beat them.

Await opportunities

Coach Paul Young is a proud man and if his players take anything from him then Reno could be in for trouble.

What is also in favour of the Portmore team is the much talked-about St. Elizabeth Technical High School field. It lends itself to the beautiful game and with Portmore's abundance of touch players, this should suit them.

"We have the same number of points, so it is up to us to separate ourselves from them, if we really want to challenge for the top spot in the competition," Young said of today's game. "We are playing away from home so we will be patient and await our opportunities, which I am sure will come ... once we take even half of them we will get a positive result."

What is going in his team's favour besides the playing surface, according to Young, is the fact that all his players are healthy and available for selection.

Expected to take the fight to Reno are Kevin Deerr, Jason Morrison, Mario Swaby, Anthony Modeste and Adrian Reid.

Defending champions Waterhouse should be just a bit too good for Boys' Town when they meet at Collie Smith Drive, while Harbour View should just about get the edge over Tivoli Gardens.

Naggo Head should surrender another three points - this time to Wadadah, while Arnett Gardens should return to their winning ways against Village United.

Seba United should welcome August Town to Jarrett Park as they will present them with the opportunity of getting three points even with their non-firing forwards

TODAY'S GAMES