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Harbour View defender, Jermaine Taylor.

Nodley Wright, Gleaner Writer

After a week's break due to the Caribbean Club championships, former champions Harbour View will renew their assault on the lead held by defending champions Waterhouse in the Wray and Nephew National Premier League when they go up against Reno, themselves former champions, at St. Elizabeth Technical.

The Harbour View/Reno clash is one of five on and appears to be the most eye-catching of the fixtures - at least for those not from the second city.

For Montegonians, there is nothing bigger than the local derby between Seba United and Wadadah, which takes place at Jarrett Park.

Interesting for fans

What makes the Seba/Wadadah clash particularly interesting for the Montegonians is that fact that both teams had positive results last week in the Jarrett Park double-header.

Seba United had a long overdue win over Village United under the leadership of Theodore Whitmore following the exit of former national coach Geoffrey Maxwell.

Following up on Seba's win, Wadadah drew 0-0 with Reno and gave credence to the belief that when Seba win, Wadadah will not lose. So deep is the grudge and important the bragging rights between them both. They are in ninth and 10th positions and are only separated by goal difference. It should be fiery.

In the match of the day, however, Harbour View with a game in hand, will be hoping to close the gap on Waterhouse, who are not fixtured this week due to their hosting of a leg of the Caribbean Club championships.

Positive attitude

According to coach, Lenworth Hyde Sr, victory is the primary thing on the minds of his charges.

"This game means a lot to us. In fact every game means a lot as we are competing in a league system where each point is important and we want these three points," Hyde said. "We know it will not be easy as they have a good coach and are playing a good brand of football, but we are positive about our chances.

Hyde's positive attitude could be boosted by the consistency his team has developed of late. Goals have been coming with regularity following the return to fitness of former national striker Fabian Taylor who has struck up a good partnership with his namesake Gregg. There is also Kavin Bryan who was their primary goal provider earlier in the season.

Defensively, they have also been playing well not conceding a single goal in the last four games and Hyde is confident that the likes of national defender Jermaine Taylor, Clifton Waugh, Gregory Simpson and Oneil Smith will deliver for him.

Reno FC also have designs on the championship and a win today will give them three valuable points and the belief that they can take it all.

"The spirit is high. We are looking forward to the game and we realise that if we win this game it could put us in second position if only for a time as they have a game in hand," was how Reno's man in charge, former national coach Wendell Downswell summed up his team.

The last time both teams met Reno lost 1-2 and revenge will sit prominently in their minds.

"We intend to correct that (first round loss) and we have not lost a game at home and preserving that is important to us," Downswell added.

Refreshing sight

Reno have been a refreshing sight this season with the likes of Kendrie Quarrie, Nicoli Find-layson, Kirk Wright and the improving Ricardo Scott have been getting the job done for them.

Today, their chances will be boosted by the return of Jamaica Under-20 goalkeeper, Dwayne Kerr and Findlayson, who missed last Sunday's game due to suspension.

If both teams play true to form, a quality game is in store.

TODAY'S GAMES