Tivoli, Boys' Town brace for tough clash

Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Leaders Tivoli Gardens will be keen to continue their winning ways when they face rivals Boys' Town at the Edward Seaga Sports Complex in today's round of Digicel Premier League games.

The west Kingston team has ridden their recent good form all the way to the top of the league table, but cannot afford any slip-ups with Waterhouse and Boys' Town lurking behind.

In fact, having had to battle for 90 minutes with Sporting Central Academy at the weekend, before wresting away a 2-1 advantage, Tivoli are all but guaranteed another tough fight. Most games between them and Boys' Town are generally closely contested encounters.

Tivoli manager Brian Rose expects nothing less.

"We expect it to be a tough of encounter. it always is, they are one of two teams to beat us this season and we are both coming off wins going into today's match," said Rose.

"I have already pointed out to them that we need to make amends for our loss this season and we will be going for the win," he added.

Waterhouse have also beaten Tivoli Gardens this season.

"One of the big things for us is that we have to keep close to the leaders and we will be going there tomorrow (today) with a positive frame of mind. Once we do that, I think we can get a good result," said Andrew Price, coach of Boys' Town who won courtesy of goalsfrom Renae Lloyd and Asrick Samuels.

He added: "We have to go out there and play our normal, free-flowing game, we have to attack them. It makes no sense playing against a team with the attacking potency of Tivoli and sitting back."

The Red Brigade, on 23 points, will also be motivated by the opportunity to cut down the distance between themselves and Tivoli who lead the table on 29.

Tivoli will still be without striker Navion Boyd but will be boosted by the play of the in-form Keammar Daley and Shawn McKoy.

The west Kingston team will also be without another striker, Devon Hodges, who is carrying and injury, and Damion Gordon, who is out on cards.

Second-place Waterhouse (26) will be hoping to get back to winning ways as soon as possible, following the return of head coach Baris Johnson who, has now, it seems, settled affairs with the club. They could, however, have their hands full with a spirited Village United, who blanked them 2-0 in the reverse first-round fixture.

Title holders, Harbour View, will also be looking to avoid a repeat of their first-round fixture when they travel to the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex to face Arnett Gardens.

In fourth place on 20 points, Harbour View will be looking to avoid any further setback as they look to keep pace with the leaders.

Arnett, who are intent to stay above the drop zone, stunned the Stars of the East on their last visit to Compound, courtesy of a late Kevin Wilson strike.

Following up on a spirited showing at the Harbour View Mini Stadium, bottom-place St Georges will be looking to launch their revival with the return of coach Geoffrey Maxwell. They host Sporting Central Academy at Lynch Park. The Portlanders will, however, have to get the job done without talismanic defender and captain, Jermaine Taylor, who was sent off early in the game against Harbour View.

In other games, Portmore United, led by topscorer Steven Morrissey, will also be eyeing a move up the table when they host Benfica. Humble Lion, will be intent on taking full points against Reno, as they look to make a move towards safety and away from the relegation zone.