Richard Bryan, Freelance Writer

DAVIS

One can never safely second guess another's thoughts, but Village coach Paul 'Tegat' Davis could hardly have been thinking anything less than reflecting on his playing days as he quietly trudged his way, alone, out of the grounds at St. Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) on Sunday.

The former noted hitman, both for Seba and the national team, had frustratingly watched Fabian Dawkins miss two chances he would certainly have buried in his time.

Then, after hoping the final seconds would click away to salvaging a draw, Reno's Nicholy Finlayson came up trumps with what was the final play of the afternoon.

Boom! It spelt another defeat for Village, and again the ominous thought of relegation, the fifth time in a decade for western teams following similar scenarios for Violet Kickers, Reno, Wadadah and Seba.

Score chances

For Village, the possibility is real as they prepare to host newcomers Sporting Central Academy at the Ellitson Wakeland field, one of three or four struggling teams they must develop a habit of beating if they are to escape the dreaded drop.

"We are in relegation so every chance (to score) has to be taken," stated Davis in an interview with The Gleaner. "Once you are a forward of a certain calibre, then you have to score those chances that others would not have."

He explained the kind of responsibility that rests with one like Dawkins, a striker with an impressive youth background that dates back to scoring in a FIFA World Youth World Cup, but one who has not quite delivered at the senior level.

With three rounds to complete this second phase, including an away match-up with Waterhouse that only something spectacular could help him even salvage even a point, a good performance against Sporting Central is paramount.

Davis' own presence at Village has ignited hope as eight of the 13 points they now have were earned since his arrival with victories against Arnett Gardens and St. Georges, and one point each against Seba and Harbour View.

'Love each other'

Indications are that he would have to double that acquisition if Village are to stay the course. But as Davis, now a self-styled born-again practicisng Christian, intimated, his team might need even divine qualities in their armoury.

"They need to love each other more," sermoned off Davis, who is in his third stint as coach at Village. "In that way, they will be able to fight for each other to claim the victory."