Hyde
Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer
LEADERS TIVOLI Gardens are racked with injuries ahead of their third round clash with defending champions Portmore United in today's round of the Wray & Nephew National Premier League competition.
With points at a premium, especially at this stage of the competition, the second round winners will have a lot of patching to do in the hope of putting together a competitive team to face the talent-rich and injury-free Portmore United.
Out of action for today's game are inspirational midfielder Fabian Davis, the increasingly influential Lenworth Hyde Jnr., Marvin Morgan, Andrew Chisholm and Darren Virtue.
"It is a situation that we want to stay in front even though we have been plagued by injuries," said manager Brian Rose as he looked at his team's chances and options ahead of the game.
The impact of the absences could be lessened by the availability of Christopher Nicholas and Roland Dean, made possible by Jamaica's poor performance in the Olympic qualifiers in Guadalajara in Mexico.
"I am hoping that our Under-23 players who were due to return home on Saturday night will be able to play and strengthen the squad," he added. If those players for some reason are unable to play then Tivoli Gardens will be down to the bare bones especially on the forward line as just Brenton Lopez and Shane Johnson will be available.
In midfield the situation will be a little different with Steve Green, Fabian Malcolm, a not fully fit Denroy Gordon and the injury-prone Kahreem Cooke to choose from.
Portmore United on the other hand have the headache of who to choose. "We have no injury worries as the previously injured Kevin Deerr is back to full fitness while Winston Griffiths who had the flu is well again. Everyone is okay so we should be at full strength," offered Portmore United coach Lenworth Hyde Sr.
AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS
Hyde is aware of the problems facing Tivoli Gardens but will not allow that to influence his thinking heading into the encounter.
"It will be a tough game. Tivoli are a team that bring out the best in us because they always push us and the games between us are always keenly contested.
"Right now the situation is that we have to start winning at home and this being the third round means that every point is important. We want to get most points at the end of the competition," he continued.
Portmore are in second position with 44 points to Tivoli Gardens' 48. A win for Portmore would put them within string distance on 47 while if Tivoli were to win they could further widen the gap.
"What is also good for us at this time is that we scored four goals in the last game so the attacking part of the team is functioning well."
With Deerr back teaming up with Roen Nelson last year's leading scorer in the competition, the Tivoli defence could be in for a busy afternoon. Hyde also has Oneil McDonald, Andrew Morrison and the recently-signed Dave Clarke to call on.
In midfield, they will be counting on Grenadian captain Anthony Modeste to steady the heads around him. Joining him in midfield could be Griffiths, Wolry and or Kemeel Wolfe among others. The defensive position is equally competitive and in goal will be the outstanding Shawn Sawyers.
In other games, Harbour View, who are on 44 points but with an inferior goal difference to Portmore United, will take on their year-to-year rivals Arnett Gardens, who are in seventh position on 29 points. That game will take place at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex. At Drax Hall, Rivoli are expected to take full points from the struggling Star Cosmos.
At Waterhouse, the home team is expected to regain their good form with a victory over the embattled Reno.
Arnett Gardens vs. Harbour View at Tony Spaulding Sports Complex (5:00 p.m.)
Portmore United vs. Tivoli Gardens at Ferdie Neita Park (3:00 p.m.)
Star Cosmos vs. Rivoli United at Drax Hall (3:00 p.m.)
Waterhouse vs. Reno at Waterhouse (3:00 p.m.)
Village United vs. Invaders FC at Elliston Wakeland (3:00 p.m.)
Seba United vs. Constant Spring at Jarrett Park
