DPL aspirants hunt victory

Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

All square following opening-day stalemates, Digicel Premier League (DPL) aspirants Rivoli, Highgate, Seba United and Cavalier will seek to claim the early advantage when today's second-round games get under way.

Following the disappointment of a stoppage-time equaliser, which cancelled out a second-minute goal, Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) champions, Cavalier, will have to bounce back on the road when they tackle South Central Confed winners, Rivoli United, at the Spanish Town Prison Oval.

Rivoli had to battle back for a share of the points in their curtain-raiser, as they found themselves trailing Eastern Super League champions Highgate, before a goal from Luke Soares levelled things.

Rivoli's coach, Calvert Fitzgerald, admits he had targeted a perfect start, but believes they could get another opportunity to achieve that come today.

"We are all square, so it is almost as if the competition is starting tomorrow (today). It really is a handful of games, so we are looking to be at the top," he said.

The Rivoli coach also looked forward to the comfort of playing on familiar territory, as he admits things were less than ideal at St Mary Sports Club (formerly Gray's Inn), where the team drew their opening game.

"Playing away from home and taking a point is always good, but I must admit that we were a bit thrown off our game," said Fitzgerald. "The pitch was a little narrow and it was very slippery, so it was very difficult for us to play football. It will be good for us to be back at home."

While it was certainly three points dropped for Cavalier a mere seconds away from an opening-day win, their coach David Laylor says the team will not dwell on the past and see the game as the perfect opportunity to rebound.

"You can't afford to dwell on that (draw), that would be dangerous, so we have put that behind us and are just looking forward now," he said.

"Besides, with the opening day results we are all level and we know that all we need is more focus, whether it be for 90 minutes, or the full duration of the game," he added.

Having a full squad at his disposal, Laylor hinted that there could be changes ahead of today's matchup.

Seba, who were also dis-appointed with their opening-day result, will look to grab all three points, as back on their home turf they will entertain Highgate at Jarrett Park.

Today's Games

• Seba United vs Highgate, at Jarrett Park at 3:30 p.m.

• Rivoli United vs Cavalier, at Spanish Town Prison Oval at 3:30 p.m.