Howard Walker, Staff Reporter
AUGUST TOWN are a point away from gaining the first qualification spot as the penultimate round of the Jamaica Football Federation's (JFF) Premier League play-offs kicks off today.
August Town will travel to Ferdie Neita Park to play second-placed Naggo Head while third-placed Negril FC take on St. Georges FC at Frome.
August Town on nine points are a step away from grabbing one of the two promotional spots available to play premier league football next season.
Christopher Bender, coach of August Town, has the top flight in his sight and could realise his dream today.
"It will not be easy from now on and we expect a difficult and tough game from Naggo Head. They are an organised team and I hope we can go there and get the desired result," said Bender.
Knowing that only a point is needed to qualify, Bender will not be playing a defensive game.
"We are going to play football for a win, the same way we have been doing for the last four games," he said.
Meanwhile, Harold Thomas, coach of Naggo Head, knows he has a tough encounter on his hands but remains optimistic.
"We are playing the leader and we are in second position and we want to maintain that position and try and ensure our qualification," Thomas said. "They are a very good team, but we are hoping for a victory," he said.
In the other encounter, third-placed Negril FC will be hoping to rebound from their two-game losing streak and get back on track.
Negril, leaders after the first two rounds with four points, find themselves in third position after four rounds on four points.
The Jerome Waite-coached outfit from Westmoreland will have to utilise their home advantage to keep in touch with the leaders.
Portland's St. Georges FC bring up the rear with three points and will have to win today's game to have any realistic chance of finishing in the top two.
A win for St. Georges would put them back in the race and they would certainly appreciate a win for August Town too.
| P | W | L | D | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
| August Town | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 9 |
| Naggo Head | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
| Negril FC | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 4 |
| St. George's | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 3 |
