Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

CO-LEADERS AND favourites Portmore United will this afternoon seek to consolidate their position at the top of the table in the Cash Plus Premier League when they host the faltering Seba at Ferdie Neita Park.

Portmore sit atop the league with 53 points, the same as Tivoli Gardens, but the team from the country's third city has a much superior goal difference of 22 to Tivoli Gardens' six for an advantage of 16. Additionally, Portmore United have a game in hand against Village United, the form team of the third round.

Seba United have been inconsistent especially in the third round, performing better on the road than they do at home. Last week's draw against Harbour View must have been a welcome relief for them. Their major problem is the lack of a quality finisher. Kemar James is a hard worker but goalscoring is not his forte, while Delroy Ellis and Kemar Mills have also come up short.

Surplus of strikers

Portmore United have no problem with a lack of firepower. Their problem could be a surplus of strikers, which could cause a problem in selection. Roen Nelson has the best form and could be accompanied by one of Anthony Bennett, Steven Morrissey, Carlington Smith, Ashton Bennett or new national representative James Thomas. Seba's Keniel Moodie, Seian McNish, Jacomena Barrett and company could have a torrid time in keeping them at bay.

Caribbean club champions Harbour View have been a shadow of themselves most of the season - especially in the third round. In six games they have amassed just six points and today they travel to Collie Smith Drive to oppose the rebuilding Boys' Town whose third-round record is inferior to Village United.

If Harbour View are able to have the services of a fit Fabian Taylor and Kavin Bryan to capitalise on the work of Jermaine Hue, then they could have the home team on the run. The hosts, for their part, will not surrender and in the veterans Oneil McDonald and Fabian Watkins, Denzil Watson, Renae Lloyd and George Vernal they have players prepared to take the fight to any team.

Tivoli have shown great heart and character this season as, based on their talent pool, many had not predicted a top two place for them at this time in the season. Today, they host Waterhouse, a team with which they have always had tough battles and one with which they have shared wins in two previous meetings.

Even with the absence of key players Christopher Jackson, Oraine Simpson and Navion Boyd through national duty, the west Kingston team remains competitive with the likes of Kevin Blackford and Craig Stewart providing the finishing touch for them. All of them will have to be at their best to hold off a Waterhouse team, which must be eager to prove that it has not lost the plot having won just once in seven games in the third round.

Like Tivoli Gardens, Waterhouse had a number of players away on national duty but they seemed more affected. With the likes of Damion Williams, Irvino English, Marco McDonald and Hugh Howell back in the fold, they could be much more formidable.

There is a difference of just one point but three places between the two promoted teams. St Georges would want to win to keep themselves in the top six, while a win for Sporting Central would greatly help their chances of survival.

While Lynch Park, St. Georges' home ground, no longer appears to be a fortress, they are still difficult to beat at home.

Based on the form book, one would want to give the edge in the western derby to Village United over Reno. The Trelawny team has been all the talk for the third round having not lost a single game and conceding just twice, while Reno have won just once and let in 16 goals while scoring 12.

Coach a wily veteran

Reno coach Wendell Downswell is a wily veteran and with the likes of O'Brian Woodbine and captain Nicholy Findlayson back in action, they could look a much tougher team. With these two leading the way, the likes of Fabian Blake and Kendrie Quarrie may be urged to lift their game.

Village, on the other hand, are looking like a well-oiled machine, tuned up by Paul 'Tegat' Davis. Goalkeeper Ryan Cooper has stabilised the defensive unit, while goals have been coming from all around with defender/midfielder Lacon Brissett only last week scoring a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Arnett Gardens.

Former champions Arnett Gardens are just a point above the relegation zone and nothing but a win against bottom-placed August Town would be acceptable. August Town are still harbouring thoughts of survival. A win for them and a loss for Reno would improve their chances and make the race at the bottom of the table as tough as it is at the top.

TODAY'S GAMES