Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

WATERHOUSE VERSUS Harbour View will be the headline match today in the Cash Plus Premier League (CPPL). They are in third and fourth place, respectively, with just a point separating them and neither team will want the other to get the edge as the fight for a place at the top of the table intensifies.

"We are ready, ready, ready, ready," Lenworth Hyde, coach of Harbour View, told The Gleaner yesterday ahead of today's clash.

"We looked good in training this week and we are coming off two wins. We are hoping to be positive as it is always tough playing at Waterhouse but I love the look of my team they are coming off a good win," added Hyde whose wish is to get his team closer to the leaders.

In their first-round clash, Harbour View came out 3-2 winners and are backing themselves to repeat.

"I like the way they are playing right now. Jermaine Hue is looking like Jermaine Hue again. Keith Kelly is playing well coming off the bench and is getting better and better.

"There is also Kavin Bryan who has started to score again and is looking better, plus we are now getting goals from the midfield," said Hyde, who will also be looking to Fabian Taylor and goalkeeper Dwayne Miller to lead them home."

Expectations

Waterhouse's coach, Wayne Fairclough, is expecting an exciting game.

"It should be a game that everyone should want to see. A lot of talent will be on show. The team that is most disciplined will take home that game," Fairclough said. "They are spirited, their morale is high, camaraderie is there and they like a challenge and Harbour View is just the right one for them at this point in time."

Waterhouse have dropped just two points from seven games under the leadership of Fairclough and he expects that run to continue. His squad is injury free and usual suspects Jomo Gordon, Brian Wollaston, Irvino English, Damion Powell, Weston Forest, Andre Hickling, Kevin Lamey and Richard McCallum will be key to a positive performance.

In other games, Sporting Central Academy will be hoping to get back to their positive ways when they host Boys' Town at Brancourt.

Tivoli Gardens have not been the best travellers in the competition, but the fact that they are in the lead could serve as extra motivation for them to win and maintain their position at the top of the table. Reno are not satisfied with their position in the lower half of the table. More dropped points and win for the teams below them could see them drop into the relegation battle.

Fighting spirit

Arnett Gardens will require all their fighting spirit to overcome the tough St. Georges when they meet at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex.

Down to almost the bare bones because of the planned defection of a number of their key players, the 'Junglists' fought hard in their match against neighbours and rivals Tivoli Gardens only to be denied in the dying minutes by Christopher Jackson.

As far as Portmore United are concerned, they could not hope for a better team against which to halt their freefall. Village United have not caused many teams problems and even a deflated Portmore United playing at home could be a little too much for the Trelawny-based team now under the guidance of Paul 'Tegat' Davis.

At Jarrett Park, Seba United, with the return of Delroy Ellis, Keniel Moodie and Oliver Trail, should give a much better account of themselves against visitors August Town.

Today's games

4:00 p.m.- Waterhouse vs Harbour View at Drewsland

3:00 p.m. - Sporting Central Academy vs Boys' Town at Brancourt

3:00 p.m. - Reno vs Tivoli Gardens at STETHS

5:00 p.m. - Arnett Gardens vs St. Georges at Anthony Spaulding Complex

3:00 p.m. - Portmore United vs Village United at Ferdie Neita Park

6:00 p.m. - Seba United vs August Town at Jarrett Park