Arnett Gardens ready to battle tough Humble Lion

Nodley Wright, Sunday Gleaner Writer

The top of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) table is not a place that Arnett Gardens have found themselves in recent times and while head coach Paul "Tegat" Davis is loving the feeling, he is not getting carried away and will be doing his best to keep his players' feet on the ground.

"We are not going to get carried away. We are just taking it (participation in the League) game by game. The Premier League just started ....", explained Davis, adding that no one wants to lose.

Against Tivoli Gardens, Davis said his team started out slowly but found their rhythm at the right time, but Humble Lion could be tough.

"This team is a very good one and very well-coached by Lenny Hyde. We don't expect them to come and lie down. They have never done this and they came here and beat us 5-0 last season," Davis added.

"They lost their first game, so they will not want to lose two in a row. So they will be coming at us," Davis added.

Despite being without Jamaica representatives Rohan Reid and Errol Stevens, who are both injured, Davis is confident that his team will be strong enough to withstand whatever Humble Lion have to offer.

Humble Lion's Lenworth Hyde Snr said a late start to preparations is affecting his team.

"We are trying to catch up. We did not start early this season and did not have a good preseason, which means that we are mixing the tactical with the physical right now," Hyde explained.

no staying power

Despite their late start, Hyde was still positive about his team's chances in today's game and the league generally.

"We are looking good, but we don't have the staying power as yet. This will come in time and I am counting on the fact that we basically still have the same core of players who were with us last season and will help us to deliver," he said.

Among the players Hyde is looking to deliver for him are Omando McLoud, Carlington Smith, Sean Coleman and Jermaine Christian. If these players "click" Hyde believes that his team "will put up a good show against Arnett's 'A' team".

Another match that many will travel miles to see is the Waterhouse/Boys' Town clash at Drewsland. While Boys' Town won their season opener against newcomers Cavalier at home, Waterhouse found the going tougher as they shared the points with Highgate away. Boys' Town's coach Andrew Price has indicated that a strong start is crucial to their success this season after coming close in the last two seasons but failing to get across the line. A win against the talent-rich Waterhouse will strengthen their chances.

Romeo Parkes, a revelation last season for Tivoli Gardens in the second half of the season, could play a significant role if Boys' Town are to beat the team guided by his cousin Donovan Duckie. The presence of goalkeeper Richard McCallum and Vincent Earle could tip the balance in the favour of Waterhouse, who will also be boosted by the fact that they are playing at home.

Today's games

3:30 p.m.: Savannah vs Harbour View - Frome Sports Complex

3:30 p.m.: Sporting Central vs Highgate United - Brancourt

5:00 p.m: Cavalier vs Portmore United - Stadium East

6 p.m.: Arnett Gardens vs Humble Lion - Anthony Spaulding Complex

6 p.m.: Waterhouse vs Boys' Town - Drewsland Stadium

6:30 p.m.: Montego Bay United vs Tivoli Gardens - Catherine Hall Complex