Reno have 'burning desire' to mow down Meadows

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Favourites and leaders Reno are aiming to take one step closer to qualifying for the Digicel Premier League (DPL) next season when they oppose Meadows in a Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Confederation play-off encounter today at Frome Sports Complex in Westmoreland, starting at 1:30 p.m.

Reno, who were demoted from top-flight football competition last season, lead the four-team standings with six points, three ahead of Cavalier and Meadows.

Cavalier will oppose bottom-place Benfica (0) at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Bowl in the day's second match, as the teams push for the two available DPL spots.

Reno's coach Wendell Downswell expressed tremendous optimism ahead of their clash with the St Catherine team.

"We are extremely confident because I think that our players have a burning desire to get back in the Premier League, and are cognisant of the fact that they disappointed the fans by not participating in the Premier League this year," said Downswell.

"However, there is no room for complacency, despite the fact that we are leading the competition and our qualification to the Premier League is pretty close now.

"We just have to remain positive because despite the fact that Meadows were beaten by Cavalier in their last game and we defeated Cavalier 2-0, we don't see that as anything to mark their performance," noted Downswell.

Good performances expected

Reno, winners of the Western Conference Confederation Super League, defeated Benfica 1-0 in their last game. They will look for good performances from national representative Davian Thorpe and Evan Taylor, along with striker Tremaine Perry and Sheldon Bryan.

Shawn Thompson, the manager of Meadows - champions of the South Central Confederation Super League - says his team is looking forward to today's match.

"It was a very devastating loss for us against Cavalier. However, my players are now very confident that they can rebound in this match," said Thompson. "This is a very crucial game for us because we just can't afford to lose it.

"We need to get all three points and if we can't get three points then we need to at least get a point," Thompson said.

Meanwhile, Cavalier, who were champions of the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) Super League, are expected get the better of Benfica, who are yet to secure a point.

However, David Laylor, coach of Cavalier, says they will not be taking their opponents for granted.

"We know that this might be the final chance for Benfica to get themselves back into the play-offs, and so we won't be taking them lightly because we need these points very much," said Laylor.

"This a very crucial game for us because we have to make sure that we win it, as we would like to maintain our second place or even go in front of the leaders," he added.

Cavalier will pin their hopes of scoring in the hands of striker Loxley Thompson, Donovan Alvaranga and Fabian Swaby.