Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:

ST. JAMES' representative in the 2006-07 Jamaica Football Federation (JFF)/Red Stripe Knockout competition will be decided at Jarrett Park this afternoon when Granville FC and Salt Spring clash in the first semi-final of the St. James Captain's Bakery KO competition at 4:00 p.m.

"Wadadah FC and Seba United are the other two semi-finalists, but they have already qualify for the Red Stripe KO by virtue of their NPL status, so this game between Granville and Salt Spring will decide which team will represent St. James," said Bruce Gaynor, the general secretary of the St. James FA. "This game will offer the winners a chance to compete against the top teams in the country."

Following today's game, a date will be set for the second semi-final between Wadadah and Seba. The winner of that game will meet the winner of today's game in the competition's final, which will see the eventual champion walking away with the Captain's Bakery Trophy and $70,000.

Contrasting styles

On their way to reaching today's semi-finals, the two teams did so in contrasting styles. The Tracy Reid-coached Granville defeated Black Diamonds 3-1 in their first-round game and then marched into the semi-finals with a 2-0 quarter-final win against Mountain Villa. The Carl Plummer-managed Salt Spring clipped Violet Kickers 1-0 in their first-round game and then registered the same margin of victory against Tomorrow's People in their quarter-final match-up. Based on their form this season, Granville, who earlier this season contested the semi-finals of the Western Super League, should start favourites. With quality players such as Davion Thelwell, Shannon Brown and the wily Odane Snow, coach Reid thinks her team packs enough power to not only beat Salt Spring but to go on to win the title as well.

"We are confident because we have good players, and the team is playing very well as a unit," said Reid, the only female coach in western Jamaica football. "Our ultimate aim is to be in the NPL one day so we welcome every opportunity to play alongside the big clubs."

While not having an array of established stars, Salt Spring cannot be slighted, especially if their top player, former Seba United striker Omar Clarke, reports in top form. In addition, the team has a wide array of exciting and emerging talent to support him.