Duckie wants to make home advantage count

JOINT LEAGUE leaders Arnett Gardens and Montego Bay United highlight this weekend’s round of Jamaica Premier League (JPL) fixtures and Montego Bay United coach Donovan Duckie is hoping to make the most of home advantage.

Duckie pointed out that an essential part of their early successes this season has been a result of the extra impetus the players get when playing at home, and he hopes this can make the difference when they face Arnett at Wespow Park at 3:15 p.m.

“With teams that are very successful it is about the home crowd. That is always a very important factor and no doubt when it comes to Montego Bay United and their supporters, they are very passionate.

“They are able to keep us honest and the support is tremendous and it makes a difference when we play in front of our supporters. They want more and you get that sort of effort from the players,” he said.

“So it is always important to see the fans out. We take comfort when they are there because we are under even more pressure to be competitive throughout the game, so it is important for the community and the fans of MoBay to be there to see us through this one before the break,” he commented.

Both teams boast identical records, with two wins and a draw but Duckie believes their opponents are ahead of them in terms of their overall progress and that they will have to be at their best to get a result.

“Montego Bay United, the brand might be big, but it is a project that has just started. The players that we have are not the finished product that we are looking for as yet.

“But we will be very competitive, that we can guarantee. It will be a tough game but we can only control the things that we are able to,” he said.

MoBay and Arnett share the lead at the top of the standing with Harbour on seven points.

With the league schedule to break after tomorrow until mid December, Duckie says staying close to the top will be essential.

“In everything you are doing, the short-term goal is always important, irrespective of who you are. No matter how you say you are building, it is a result-driven game, so we want to always ensure that we remain competitive and stay in the top six,” he added.

After winning their first two matches, Arnett had to settle for a draw in their rescheduled game against Portmore onThursday.

Assistant coach Eric Rademakers said there are still things in their game to smooth out and they expect to see improvements from the last match.

“We want to win it (ball) back quick and keep the ball but sometimes we do not have the patience, we want to rush it too early when the pass isn’t really on, and when you lose it in transition that is where you are vulnerable because you are disorganised defensively.

“So it is something we have to work on but we are happy they are putting out the performances, while we are seeing that room for growth is still there.

“It is important to continue working on those things, have patience and the right urgency at the right time, so we are definitely looking forward to that in this one,” he said.

In the opening game at Wespow Park at 1 p.m., Faulkland take on Tivoli.

In other games, Humble Lion entertain Harbour View at Effortville Community Centre at 3 p.m., Molynes play Vere at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex at 3 p.m. and Dunbeholden face Cavalier, also at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex at 5:30 p.m.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Today’s Games

Humble Lion vs Harbour View at 3 p.m. at Effortville

Faukland vs Tivoli at 1 p.m. at Wespow

MBU vs Arnett at 3 p.m. at Wespow

Molynes vs Vere at 3 p.m. at Tony Spaulding

Dunbeholden vs Cavalier at 5:30 p.m. at Tony Spaulding