Jamaica's Wilfred Smith (left) scores a header past Haiti's goalkeeper Fenelon Gabart (second right) during the recent Digicel Caribbean Cup Group D qualifier at the National Stadium. Smith is expected to play a key role for Seba today against Harbour View. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer
Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
AFTER TWO Sundays without any action due to the national team's involvement in the Digicel Caribbean Cup qualifiers and a friendly international against Canada, the Wray and Nephew National Premier League resumes today.
In today's games, most eyes will be focussed west where Harbour View, the only team with a 100 per cent win record, go up against Seba United at Jarrett Park. As it was last season, Harbour View have started this season as the league's pacesetters. Last season they fell away in the home stretch.
On the otherhand, Seba United, who started well under the guidance of new coach Geoffrey Maxwell with a 2-0 win over Portmore United, have been on a two-game slide, the last of which was to neighbours, Wadadah.
"This is a must-win game for us. That I believe is the best way to describe it," Maxwell said of today's game.
In the time off, Maxwell said his players had done well in practice matches and responded well to training. As such, he said, they were ready for the challenge of Harbour View.
"We have been scoring goals, not to say that the opposition is of the same quality, but at least we are scoring," said Maxwell whose team failed to find the back of the net in their past two games.
Excellent shape
"The team is in excellent shape," he said. "It should be a good game. Harbour View play a passing game. It is always good to play against Harbour View.
Damian Williams is expected to be the key player for Seba United as Theodore Whitmore recovers from injury. Wilfred Smith is also expected to take his goalscoring form from his association with the national team back to his club.
According to Harbour View's coach, Lenworth Hyde Sr, his charges are prepared for what will face them in the second city.
"We are expecting a tough game especially after the fact that they (Seba) have lost two games in a row," Hyde said.
"They will be coming all out for the victory, but we are prepared for that and we intend to give a very good account of ourselves," he said.
Hyde conceded that his team would be under pressure as - being the leaders - everyone will want to beat them. For Harbour View to be beaten, 22-year-old Kavan Bryan will have to be stopped. The player, who previously represented Police, has scored in all three games so far, and will be keen to add to his tally. Kemar Petrekin will be returning from injury and should form a good partnership with Bryan with Lenworth Hyde Jr pulling the strings from behind.
In other games, defending champions Waterhouse should return to their
winning ways when they host newly-promoted Naggo Head.
While Tivoli Gardens and Arnett Gardens are in ninth and 12th positions respectively, a far cry from previous seasons, today's matchup should generate interest - at least for the diehards.
Following their win over Village in their last outing, August Town will be going for scalp number two when they host Wadadah at the UWI Bowl. Portmore's dismal form should take a turn for the better as they are expected to get the better of Village United at Ferdie Neita Park.
Tomorrow, Boys' Town venture to Frome to meet Reno.
Standings
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
| Harbour View | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 9 |
| Waterhouse | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 7 |
| Reno | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| Wadadah | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| August Town | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Seba | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Boys" Town | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Village | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 | 3 |
| Naggo Head | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 5 | -1 | 2 |
| Tivoli | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 2 |
| Portmore | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 2 |
| Arnett Gardens | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 1 |
TODAY'S GAMES
Waterhouse vs Naggo Head at Waterhouse Stadium - 6:00 p.m.
Arnett Gardens vs Tivoli Gardens at Tony Spauldings Sports Complex - 3:30 p.m.
Seba United vs Harbour View at Jarrett Park - 6:00 p.m.
August Town vs Wadadah at UWI - 3:30 p.m.
Portmore United vs Village United at Ferdie Neita Park - 3:30 p.m.
