Portmore, Rivoli revved up for derby
Published: Wednesday | December 31, 2008
Arnett Gardens' player-coach, Fabian Davis (left), is forced to the ground by Sporting Central's defender Linval Lewis during their Digicel Premier League clash at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Sunday. Arnett won the match 1-0. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
Defending champions Portmore United will face Rivoli United in a St Catherine derby, in today's rescheduled Digicel Premier League match at the Spanish Town Prison Oval, starting at 4 p.m.
Portmore United, who are coming off an exciting 2-1 away victory over Reno at the weekend, are five points behind leaders Harbour View, who are on 33 points.
Linval Dixon, coach of Portmore United, said he won't be taking his opponents lightly.
"This is a very important match for us because it is a St Catherine derby. However, we know what we have to do to get the job done and we intend to go out there and give a good account of ourselves," said Dixon.
Work hard
Dixon noted that Rivoli United have never beaten his team in the Premier League and they will have to work hard to keep their record intact.
"They have been playing well at home and so it is not going to be an easy task for us, but we are prepared for what challenges we face when we go our there," said Dixon.
Dixon pointed out that the return of striker Roen Nelson from the Trinidad and Tobago's (T&T) semi-pro league has lifted his team's performance.
Nelson has scored four goals in three matches since his arrival from T&T and he is expected to lead Portmore's hunt for goals.
"He is one of those players, who are going to score goals and since his return, he has really been playing well for us and this has given our team a major boost," said Dixon.
Meanwhile Rivoli United, who are in eighth place on 15 points, have the league's top marksman in Devon Hodges.
Hodges has netted 10 goals this season, including a wonderful free-kick against leaders Harbour View, which earned Rivoli a 1-1 draw last Sunday.
Hoping for upset
Bradley Stewart, technical director of Rivoli United, said: "We are not where we would want to be at the moment, but we know that this game is going to be a big challenge for us.
"However, our players are ready for it and we are now hoping that our spectators will turn out in their numbers and support our team," he said.
Stewart noted that his team is working very hard on moving up in the standings and also to improve on their all-round abilities.
"We have never beaten them in the Premier League before and I think this is going to be a very good game because they have some of the best young players in their team. However, we are hoping that we can upset them or even draw this game."
Rivoli United vs Portmore United
at Spanish Town Prison Oval at 4 p.m.
Today's match
Standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | RP | TP |
| H View | 15 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 25 | 7 | 10 | 33 |
| Tivoli | 15 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 19 | 7 | 10 | 31 |
| Portmore | 14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 22 | 13 | 12 | 28 |
| Boys' Twn | 15 | 8 | 3 | 4 | 24 | 14 | 9 | 27 |
| St Georges | 15 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 16 | 13 | 7 | 26 |
| W'house | 15 | 6 | 4 | 5 | 20 | 20 | 7 | 22 |
| Arnett | 15 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 12 | 4 | 15 |
| Rivoli | 14 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 15 | 21 | 4 | 14 |
| Reno | 15 | 2 | 7 | 6 | 15 | 20 | 1 | 13 |
| Meadhaven | 15 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 14 | 25 | 1 | 12 |
| Village | 15 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 14 | 26 | 0 | 12 |
| Sporting | 15 | 2 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 22 | 2 | 11
|
