Lime Hall, Spanish Town Police hunt Tier II semifinal spot

Lime Hall and Spanish Town Police FC will have everything to play for when they meet today in the final round of games in the preliminary round of the Jamaica Football Championships (Tier II) at Royal Lakes Complex, starting at 3:30 p.m.

Only the top-two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, and Group A leaders Meadforest (28 points) have already confirmed their top-four place after a 2-0 win over Lime Hall on Wednesday.

However, the battle for the second and final spot from the group remains wide open, with Lime Hall who were relegated from the Jamaica Premier League last season, second on 24 points and Tru Juice third on 23. A win for either Lime Hall or Spanish Town Police would see them through to the semis. However, if the game ends in a draw, Tru Juice could overtake both for the second semifinal spot, if they can win by five or more goals.

Lime Hall assistant coach Javane Parchment said the game will be difficult, as Police have improved in the second half of the season.

However, he said his team is up for the challenge and have nothing but three points on their minds.

“It is an important game. Police have been playing good. They have gone the last few games unbeaten and they are really doing well.

“They look like they have tightened up in certain areas. They are scoring goals and also defending well. It is going to be a ding-dong game at Royal Lakes, but I am expecting Lime Hall to go out there and fight and come out with the victory,” Parchment said.

He pointed out Police have to play for a win and this puts more pressure on them, and he believes that can work in Lime Hall’s favour despite playing away from home.

“A lot more pressure is on Police because they have to win to go through. We need only a draw, even though there is a mathematical chance for Tru Juice if they can score five goals and the game ends in a draw.

“Lime Hall are aiming to win the game and collect all three points. It’s the same for Police. We know what they are going to come with and we will be ready.”

Parchment added that the atmosphere in Spanish Town can be intimidating but he will utilise his experience from his time coaching in the parish, to assist the team.

“Most of my coaching experience is in St Catherine and Royal Lakes is a place I know well. We included in the preparation over the last couple of days the sensitising of the players about fields and things like that,” Parchment said.

Over in Group B, Falmouth (32 points) and Treasure Beach (27) have already secured the two semifinal spots, with Reno back in third on 19.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Today’s games

Group A

Baptiste Alliance vs Portlanders at York Sport Complex

Tru Juice vs Progressive at Dinthill Technical

Meadforest vs Grays Inn at Meadforest

Spanish Town Police vs Lime Hall at Royal Lakes Sports Complex

Group B

Treasure Beach vs Petersfield at Breds Sports Park

Reno vs St Bess at Llandillo Sports Complex

Falmouth vs MPA Juniors FC at Elleston Waveland Centre

Holland PYC vs Duncans United at Holland Village

All games will kick off at 3:30 p.m.