Waterhouse host new boys Mount Pleasant in feature clash

Donovan Duckie, the man who brought pride and joy to the community of Waterhouse last season, will be returning ‘home’ for the first time this Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) season when he takes his new team Mount Pleasant Academy there.

As the man who brought Waterhouse from relegation to the brink of championship last season, Duckie was a hero for the community, but today’s return could see him viewed in a different light as he will be on the opposing side. Additionally, his departure was not on the best terms. That, though, is not much of a worry for the much-travelled coach.

“Honestly, everything is about Mount Pleasant right now,” Duckie said, making it clear what his focus is and will be for this game.

“We had a great week of preparation leading up to this game, and we are looking forward to this game against Waterhouse,” Duckie said. Today’s game comes at a good time for the St Ann-based club who are recovering from a slump.

“We lost form a few weeks back but the confidence is coming back now. We had two wins and a draw and are now looking forward to this game and looking to put on a good performance,” added Duckie, who was followed to Mount Pleasant by former Waterhouse players Kemar Beckford and Cardel Benbow.

Waterhouse, who missed out on an opportunity to climb to the top of the table last week when they played to a 0-0 draw away to Dunbeholden, are intent on putting on a good show, according to coach Marcel ‘Fuzzy’ Gayle.

“This should be a mouth-watering affair between two quality teams and one that spectators should really come out to see. Hopefully, football will be the winner at the end,” Gayle said.

Gayle also made it clear that a positive result is important to his players and the community in general.

“The focus is most definitely there for this game. It is the final round and the players know what is at stake so they are all in the mood to put on a show for the fans.

“In the community there is a buzz. The fans can’t wait because we lost the first two games away and there are also former players coming back to play here, so it is a big thing for them.”

Relegation-rooted Montego Bay United and Dunbeholden will do battle at Wespow Park as both teams aim to improve their chances of survival at the other’s expense. The home team should start as favourites if only for home advantage. Montego Bay United will be counting on Owayne Gordon, Dino Williams and Deshane Beckford, while Dunbeholden will be looking to Dean-Andre Thomas and Nickoy Christian.

Today’s Games

- 3 p.m.: Reno vs Tivoli Gardens – Frome Complex

- 3 p.m.: Montego Bay United vs Dunbeholden – Wespow Park

- 3 p.m.: Portmore United vs Harbour View – Spanish Town Prison Oval

- 3 p.m.: UWI FC vs Humble Lion – UWI Mona Bowl

- 7 p.m.: Waterhouse vs Mount Pleasant – Waterhouse Stadium

Tomorrow’s game

- 8:35 p.m: Arnett Gardens vs Cavalier – Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex

‘This should be a mouth-watering affair between two quality teams and one that spectators should really come out to see. Hopefully, football will be the winner at the end.’