Boys' Town aim to tame Lion

Nodley Wright, Gleaner Writer

Boys' Town will seek to maintain their lead atop the Digicel Premier League (DPL) when they play away to Humble Lion at Effortville Community Centre in the second week of competition.

The Andrew Price-coached team leads the league by virtue of having scored one more goal than Tivoli Gardens, who trail on goal difference.

In today's game, they should find less comfort away from home against a team aiming to be force in the league. Having lost their opening game of the season away to defending champions Harbour View, the first in four meetings to that team, Humble Lion will be anything but humble as lambs to the slaughter.

experienced players

In the off season, the Clarendon-based team added a number experienced players to their line-up and are expecting quick returns. While they competed against Harbour View, they rarely looked threatening up front with Roberto Fletcher, in particular, looking like a blunt instrument.

Boys' Town, for their part, looked hungry in their win over St Georges Sports Club, with Dean Thompson looking as if he is ready to make good on the promise he showed as a schoolboy while representing Bridgeport. Offering good support then were the underrated, but effective Michael Campbell, Marvin Morgan and, to a lesser extent, Renae Lloyd. Goalkeeper Kirk Porter was his usual competent and vocal self, while Anthowe Dawkins looked his best in years.

One of Boys' Town's weaknesses on the opening day of the season was their right wingback. With Xavian Virgo back in the fold, his inclusion could have supporters and the coach breathing a sigh of relief.

While Boys' Town, based on their performance this far, should be given the edge, Humble Lion have what it takes to get all three points.

Winston Griffiths could provide much-needed spark off the bench, while Ricardo Brown, Tyrone Sawyers, Kimroy Davis and captain Shawn Sawyers should provide a solid base on which to build.

Tivoli are expected to continue their good start to the season when they host Sporting Central Academy. Unless they experience a dramatic turnaround in form, the second Clarendon-based team will again be on the losing end. It will be interesting to see how Devon Hodges, the competition's leading scorer for the past two seasons, combines with Navion Boyd and Keammar Daley for Tivoli. Should they click, Tivoli will be very hard to stop this season.

At the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex, former champions Arnett should get a measure of their strength when they host the promoted Reno. This one could go either way.

Portmore United, despite getting rid of 15 senior players, appear to have a good balance of youth and experience and should get the better of Village United, even with the presence of goalkeeper Ryan Cooper.

St Georges should have the services of goalscorer Dever Orgill, which should add some firepower to their offence when they host Harbour View. To get the better of the visitors, they will have to rally around captain Jermaine Taylor and tighten the defence.

Benfica will have it no easier when they travel away to Waterhouse and should again go down to tougher and more seasoned opponents.

Today's games:

Arnett Gardens vs Reno at Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex at 6 p.m.

Humble Lion vs Boys' Town at Effortville Community Centre at 3:30 p.m.

Portmore United vs Village United at Ferdie Neita Park at 5 p.m.

St Georges vs Harbour View at Lynch Park at 6:30 p.m.

Tivoli Gardens vs Sporting Central at Edward Seaga Sports Complex at 5 p.m.

Waterhouse vs Benfica at Waterhouse Mini Stadium at 6 p.m.