Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

WITH JUST about four rounds of matches remaining in the National Premier League, the spotlight will be focused more on the lower end of the table as the top is almost sewn up.

League leaders Portmore United are not the kind of team to panic at a stage such as this with an eight-point lead over nearest rivals Tivoli Gardens.

It is highly unlikely that anyone will catch Portmore in the title race and they could seal the deal this evening if they get the better of Harbour View and Tivoli Gardens fail to secure a win against Boys' Town.

Of today's matches, the one which should attract most attention is the bottom-of-the-table clash between former powerhouses Reno of Westmoreland and perennial strugglers August Town.

34 points each

Both teams are locked on 34 points - just two and five points behind their nearest rivals Arnett Gardens and St. Georges respectively. But for the motivational powers of coach Dominic Spaulding, the early-season goalscoring form of Daniel Shaw and the acquisition of Mitchley Waul from Harbour View in the transfer window, August Town would have long given up the ghost.

Today they are expected to continue their fight for survival but, despite their inferior goal difference, the Reno coaching staff is fancying the team's chances to win.

"Right now it is all about survival and I think it is unfortunate that we did not get the full points against Arnett Gardens in our last game, but we are confident that we have what it takes to survive and we will do the job," coach Wendel Downswell said.

"The players are confident and upbeat going into the game against August Town and I expect them to give a good account of themselves," he said.

Downswell will have at his disposal a full-strength squad including captain and leading goalscorer Nicholy Findlayson, Obrian Woodbine, Fabian Blake, Ricardo Scott, Kirk Wright and Dennis Taylor.

At Tony Spaulding Sports Complex, St. Georges and their new coach, Geoffrey Maxwell, will be seeking to extend their stay in the league beyond a year. Former champions Arnett Gardens are in an unfamiliar position but Maxwell, a former coach of Arnett Gardens, knows they will be very tough to beat.

"This game against Arnett Gardens will be difficult as they are a formidable force. The truth is that this situation is a dogfight and it is about who wants to survive more," said Maxwell, who will be counting on Marlon Harwood and Ricardo Taylor to lead St Georges to victory.

Arnett Gardens will be looking to the veterans goalkeeper Julian McLeish, Onandi Lowe, Fabian Davis and Cornell Chin-Sue to preserve them.

In other games, Waterhouse should get the better of Sporting Central at Drewsland, while the Village United-Seba clash should be a treat for western Jamaica fans.

TODAY'S GAMES