Bernard wants fearless Harbour View

AFTER THREE games in the 2023/24 Wray and Nephew-sponsored Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season, the Ludlow Bernard-coached Harbour View will be eyeing their first victory, but will have their work cut out as they travel to St Ann to face reigning champions and top-of-the-table Mount Pleasant at Drax Hall in a 3 p.m. affair today.

According to Bernard, while his team hadn’t gotten off to the best start, there should be no fear of the in-form champions, who have three wins from their three starts.

“There is no need to fear the opponents. We haven’t gotten off to a good start but that doesn’t mean we can’t go there and perform. Mount Pleasant knows us very well. We have a good record there and we intend to maintain that,” he said.

Harbour View, who are 11th in the standings after three games, have scored five goals but have conceded seven. Bernard believes the numerous defensive errors the team has been making need to be cauterised if they are to have a competitive affair against one of the most lethal offences in the country’s top flight.

“There is quality to mount a challenge against Mount Pleasant, but we need to play as a team, both in attack and defence. Once we can get that combination right, then results will come in our favour. We are playing at a high tempo but we are giving up goals unnecessarily,” said Bernard.

To date, Harbour View have drawn 2-2 with Arnett Gardens after being up two goals, were thumped 3-1 by Cavalier, and also drew 2-2 with Humble Lion.

Bernard also pointed out that Mount Pleasant will not pose any surprises for his team.

“Whatever they come with will not be a surprise, as I expect a quality team to face us and we have to be ready for that. But they also have to be ready for us, as we’re very positive going into this one.”

On the other hand, Mount Pleasant have been imperious, beating Molynes United 3-1 last weekend, Dunbeholden were blanked 3-0, and they squeezed out a 1-0 victory over Portmore United.

orane.buchanan@gleanerjm.com