Duckie wants to take advantage of Chapelton momentum

CHAPELTON MAROONS will look to take sole leadership of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) when they tackle fourth-placed Portmore United in the feature game of the third round of matches at Turners Oval at 3 p.m. today.

At the Waterhouse mini-stadium, two former champions in Arnett Gardens and Harbour View, who have found the going tough so far this season, will also both be seeking their first win of the campaign.

In other games, Dunbeholden entertain Montego Bay United at Dunbeholden field and Treasure Beach face Molynes at STETHS.

All games start at 3 p.m.

Chapelton, who flirted with relegation last term, have started the season on fire under new coach Donovan Duckie.

After taking the scalps of Tivoli Gardens and Harbour View, Duckie said it is important to get three points and keep their early momentum going but is expecting a difficult contest.

“We are anticipating a tough, competitive game. Portmore, since the last two seasons, have proven themselves as somewhat title contenders. We saw them play recently, so we expect a good challenge.

“But once we can control what we do well, we can impose ourselves on the game, and we can a get a result and that is what we are looking for.

“It’s early days still, but we need to continue putting points on the board. That is the most important thing. And the support (at home) is good. So it’s for us to go out and execute,” he said.

He added that the early attention the team is getting, is a good thing if they are looking to challenge this season.

“We have spoken about this, the expectation, based on our two results. It’s a good problem to have, if you are harbouring thoughts of being competitive in the league.

“So its for us to exemplify the standard that we have set in training and in the last two games, and hopefully get something out of the game.”

EXPECTATIONS

Portmore coach Rodolph Austin said Chapleton’s good start to the season means they have to be taken seriously, but he expects a professional display from his team in what he expects to be hostile territory.

“They have played two games, won two and are second in the league. They are in a good place. They are a confident team at the moment, so we have to respect that. We cannot undermine what they did for the first two games.

“We have to go with a professional mindset. We have been playing away over the years, and we have to deal with what they bring to us,” he said.

Portmore have taken four points from their two matches, and like Duckie, Austin wants to keeping adding to his points tally.

“Every game we play, we want the maximum out of it. We just have to be positive and go out and try your best to win,” he said.

Meanwhile, Montego Bay United will be looking for three points when they play away to Dunbeholden.

Dunbeholden lost their first game but bounced back with a win over Spanish Town Police in the second outing.

MoBay have been one of the most impressive teams since the league started. They came from behind and led Mount Pleasant in the opening match, and were just minutes away from three points but had to settle for a point.

However, they ran riot in their second match against Treasure Beach, taking a 3-1 win, and the Xavier Gilbert-coached team will be highly fancied for three points again today.

Molynes will start favourites against Treasure Beach in the day’s other match, although Treasure Beach have won already this season and Molynes have just one point.

Molynes are a more seasoned team, with more experienced players and should have the edge.

However, Treasure Beach are one of the eight teams to have won a match this season, and at home, they will be confident of a result.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Today’s Games

Harbour View vs Arnett at Drewsland

Dunbeholden vs Mobay at Dunbeholden field

Chapelton vs Portmore at Turners Oval

Treasure Beach vs Molynes at STETHS

All games begin at 3 pm*