Nodley Wright, Freelance WriterWITH ONLY six sets of matches to go and six points ahead of their nearest rivals, leaders Harbour View could be forgiven for thinking that the 2006-2007 Wray and Nephew National Premier League title is theirs for the taking.
Coach Lenworth Hyde has enough experience and only needs to be reminded of last year's performance to guard against any such feelings when they were chased and overtaken by Waterhouse.
Against Boys' Town today he said his team will be taking no chances as any team is capable of upsetting on any day.
""This game against Boys' Town looks tough and we are treating it as a tough encounter," said Hyde.
"They are always a tough nut to crack . They play a spirited game and always play for the 90 minutes," Hyde said of the team which battled second-placed Portmore United to a 1-1 draw in regulation of the Red Stripe Knockout final on Sunday.
More importantly, Hyde said, he wants his team to maintain its form and focus.
"We will not be taking them lightly. We have to try to maintain our focus and it does not matter what kind of mood Boys' Town are in. We have to be ready for the game and, as far as I am concerned, I think they are fully aware of how important the remaining six games are," added Hyde whose team will be at full strength, but for the suspensions of Lovel Palmer and Ricardo Smith through cards.
Though both are good players, Harbour View have more than enough quality to make up for their absence, and will be looking to the strikers Fabian Taylor and Kavin Bryan to lead them. Greg Taylor could be called upon if needed and they should get good support from Robert Scarlett, Jermaine Hue, Donald Stewart and Jermaine Taylor.
Boys' Town will definitely be counting on their much talked about fighting spirit to give them a chance against the frontrunners. On Sunday, they missed the attacking duo of George Vernal and Denzil Watson and would definitely be boosted by their return for today's clash.
In addition, they will need the likes of veteran Fabian Watkins, goalkeeper Philmore Crumbie, Troy Dawes and defender Xavean Virgo to be at their best if they are to stand a chance.
In other games, the bottom of the table clash between Wadadah and Naggo Head could go either way. Naggo Head are playing with more pride and could get the better of the Montego Bay team despite playing away from home.
Reno have looked a different team since the second round in which they were the most consistent, and one would not be surprised if confident August Town, under the charge of Hugh McCarthy, get the better of them, especially with the shout of their supporters behind them.
Waterhouse and Arnett Gardens are in turmoil so both teams could be vulnerable. In addition to having a deeper squad, Waterhouse will have the advantage of playing at home even though playing at home is not always an advantage for inner-city teams as the pressure and demand of the home fans could be unbearable.
If Portmore United are to remain in the title race they cannot afford to drop any more points. In Tivoli Gardens they will come up against one of the tougher teams and one which has improved since the transfer window. Portmore United clearly have the deeper squad, but Tivoli Gardens are a team that plays with pride.
Today's games
| Wadadah | vs. | Naggo Head at Catherine Hall | 3:30 p.m. |
| Boys' Town | vs. | Harbour View at Collie Smith | 3:30 p.m. |
| August Town | vs. | Reno at Barbican | 3:30 p.m. |
| Waterhouse | vs. | Arnett Gardens at Waterhouse | 6:00 p.m. |
| P'more United | vs. | Tivoli Gardens at Ferdie Neita Park | 3:30 p.m. |
Tomorrow's game Seba United vs. Village United at Catherine Hall - 3:30 p.m.
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