Cavalier, Portmore want Christmas momentum

CAVALIER WILL look to continue their climb up the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) table when they take on fourth-place Portmore United at Ferdie Neita Park at 3 p.m. today.

The Rudolph Speid-coached Cavalier have had a stuttering start to their JPL campaign, winning just one of their first four games.

However, the last two matches have seen them register victories over Vere and the previously unbeaten Mount Pleasant.

Cavalier came into last week’s round of games in seventh position, but their remarkable 10-man victory over Mount Pleasant, who went up a goal and a man before their first defeat in eight games, pushed them one spot up the standings and they now look to continue progressing further up the table.

“We are now in the play-off spot and that is where we want to be. So we looking to push on from here,” Speid said.

“We still have young players to come in, and the players know I will give them their chance. They just have to do what they have to do.”

Although Cavalier also have a few games outstanding, Speid said they take no comfort in that.

“We have some games in hand but that does not mean anything, the points are what’s necessary,” he added.

Meanwhile, Portmore have experienced a dip in form in their last four games. The Phillip Williams-coached team has picked up just three points out of that 12, and getting a result against a Cavalier team running into form will be no small order.

Nevertheless, Williams, like Speid, wants to maintain a top-six spot, and he hopes a win today can kick-start their campaign.

“Coming up to Christmas break, we want to get momentum. We know our deficiency up front, and part of it is down to injuries, and we know how we are shuffling the side and the limitations we have to work with.

“But we are doing a good job so far and hopefully we can build better momentum,” he said.

Portmore hold fourth place with 12 points, one more than Cavalier in sixth.

In another interesting game at the Effortville Community Centre, Humble Lion, who are unbeaten in four games at home, will go up against the high-flying Arnett Gardens.

Arnett, since their defeat to rivals Tivoli four weeks ago, have been in a rich vein of form, with three wins and a draw.

However, that unbeaten stretch could be in danger today when they travel to Effortville for a 3 p.m. start.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Today’s Games

MoBay Utd vs Dunbeholden at Wespow Park

Humble Lion vs Arnett at Effortville

Mount Pleasant vs Vere at Drax Hall

Portmore vs Cavalier at Ferdie Neita Park

Tivoli vs Molynes at Stadium East (3:30 p.m.)

All games unless otherwise stated begin at 3:00 p.m.*

Tomorrow’s Games

Harbour View vs Lime Hall at Stadium East (5:00 p.m.)

Waterhouse vs Treasure Beach at Stadium East (7:30 p.m.)