Adrian Frater, News Editor
REID
WESTERN BUREAU:
END OF second round champions Granville FC will be aiming to book a slot in the finals of the 2006 Captain's Bakery Western Super Football League this afternoon when they oppose Montpelier FC in the competition's first semi-final game at the Rusea's High School Ground in Lucea, starting at 3:00 p.m.
Based on the records of the two teams during the preliminary phase of the competition, the Granville aggregation, which topped Zone A with an impressive unbeaten 17-game winning streak, should start firm favourites against Montpelier, which finished second behind Negril FC in Zone B.
In the lone meeting between the teams, a cross-zone fixture, Granville was most impressive in carving out a big 4-1 victory in a game which saw Llandel Fisher and Rodney Hines both getting two goals.
"While I believe we have every reason to be confident, we will nonetheless be taking a cautious approach into this game," said Granville's Tracy Reid, the competition's lone female coach. "Once we go out there and do the right things I am confident that we will get the job done."
While not boasting as imposing a record as their opponents, the Montpelier team is definitely no walkover. In fact, should they report in their best form they could make it an anxious, if not difficult afternoon for Granville.
After starting the season with four consecutive drawn games, Granville completed their preliminary fixtures with eight wins and nine draws for their 33 points tally. Montpelier, which started the season with a 2-0 win against Invaders, has since won five games, drawn four and lost five.
In terms of team composition, Granville's bid for victory is expected to revolve around brothers Navardo and Llandel Fisher, Rodney Hines, Odaine Snow and the robust Davian Thelwell, while Montpelier will be banking on Sidney Riggan, Kirk Ellis, Lenore Campbell and fleet-footed Ledron Smith.
The winner of today's game will play the victorious team from tomorrow's second semi-final between Negril FC and Sandy Bay, which will also be played at Rusea's.
The eventual winner of the competition will take home the Captain's Bakery Trophy and earn the right to represent the west in the upcoming Wray & Nephew National Premier League qualifying series.
