'Positive' Boys' Town tackle surging MoBay

Nodley Wright, Gleaner Writer

After a one-week break, Montego Bay United will seek to resume their climb up the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) table when they host Boys' Town at 6 p.m. today in one of five matches.

The sixth game will be played on Thursday between Arnett Gardens and Tivoli Gardens in a repeat of Tuesday's Jackie Bell knockout semi-final.

Montego Bay United, after beating Portmore United in the second end-of-round final, played to a 2-2 draw away with defending champions Tivoli Gardens. Today, they host another team from western Kingston, Boys' Town.

Both meetings between the teams so far ended 1-1 on the field of play, but Boys' Town were docked the points and given a 3-0 defeat for their use of the then ineligible Marvin Morgan.

In the second encounter, Leon Irving rescued a point for the team from the second city.

Considered favourites

Since that time, Montego Bay United have played another 11 games without a loss and will be considered favourites based on form and the fact that they are playing at home. Boys' Town's coach, Andrew Price, has other ideas.

"We are positive. We have our tails up and going down there expecting a positive result, and one of the good things about going to Catherine Hall is that we are going to play on a good surface so we should have a good game," explained Price, adding that his team will play their normal game.

One reason for Price's upbeat mood is the fact that his team defeated fellow RSPL team Harbour View 2-0 in the other Jackie Bell KO semi-final, on Sunday.

"It (Harbour View win) is a morale booster. What we need to do is to be consistent. We will treat Montego Bay with respect, but at the same time play our normal passing game," he explained.

A boost

What should also serve as a boost for Price is the return of Morgan, Anthony Bennett, Xavian Virgo and Daemion Benjamin to match fitness, as well as the availability of Rafiek Thomas, who joined from Harbour View in the transfer window.

Benjamin's, return according to Price, frees up the influential O'neil Thompson to push forward and provide support for Renae Lloyd, captain Michael Campbell and company.

Montego Bay United, who have set their round-three target as cementing their position in the top six, will look to leading goalscorer Mauracio Gordon, Leon Irving, Allan Ottey, Oliver Trail, captain Keneil Moodie and goalkeeper Jacomena Barrett to secure victory.

Tomorrow's match

6 p.m. MoBay United vs Boys' Town at Catherine Hall

3 p.m. Sporting Central vs Village United at Brancourt

3 p.m. Humble Lion vs Portmore United at Effortville Community Centre

3 p.m. Highgate vs Harbour View at Lynch Park

3 p.m. Reno vs Waterhouse at Frome Sports Complex

7 p.m. Arnett Gardens vs Tivoli Gardens at Anthony Spaulding Complex

Standings