Cavalier look to lower Tivoli's colours
Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer
Defending Claro Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) Jackie Bell KO champions Tivoli Gardens will put their title on the line when they meet Super League outfit Cavalier at 6 p.m. today in the second of two semi-final matches at the Harbour View Mini-Stadium.
This match will be preceded by the all-Premier League matchup between Boys' Town and August Town at 3 p.m.
favourites
Tivoli, 3-1 aggregate winners over Harbour View in the quarter-finals, will enter the game against Cavalier as clear favourites, but coach Lenworth Hyde Sr does not plan to take his opponents for granted as he seeks his fourth consecutive hold on the title.
"We won't be underestimating any team and this competition is very important to us, it is a trophy at stake. For me personally, I have won this title three consecutive years so it would be fitting if I just take it four straight."
Cavalier have already caused one major upset, getting the better of Premier League powerhouse Waterhouse, albeit by the away-goal rule in their quarter-final encounter. The two teams played to a 0-0 draw in the first leg, which was played at Constant Spring before playing to a 1-1 draw at Drewsland.
David Lalor, player/coach of Cavalier, is confident his team can turn back yet another Premier League team.
confident
"The team is very confident. We are not perturbed at facing a Premier League team," said Lalor.
The other semi-final match will see August Town, who have been playing well under new coach Paul Young, going up against Boys' Town. August Town advanced to the semi-finals after getting by the struggling Arnett Gardens 3-0 on aggregate.
Young is anticipating a very tough encounter but hopes his team will come out on top.
Young said: "It is going to be a tough game, the last time Boys' Town met August Town in the Premier League it was a 1-1 score line and we are pretty much familiar with their style of play and their players. We have to be smart defensively and, hopefully, our offence can do the trick."
Boys' Town got by KSAFA Major League outfit Greenwich Town to reach the semi-finals. The teams drew the first leg 2-2 but Boys' Town swamped Greenwich 11-0 in the second leg.