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Cavalier, UWI focus on victory

Published:Saturday | December 18, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Cavalier midfielder Donovan Alvaranga tries to get past Real Mona's goalkeeper Neo Oxford with the ball, during the Claro KSAFA Super League football match at Collie Smith Drive last week Saturday. Alvaranga scored a hat-trick as Cavalier won 6-1. - Contributed

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Leaders and defending champions Cavalier will face a tricky contest today when they host the University of the West Indies (UWI) in the feature game of the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA)/ Claro Super League football competition at Collie Smith Drive.

The David Laylor-coached Cavalier lead the standings with 27 points, six ahead of the UWI.

In the day's other games second-place August Town (20) will oppose Duhaney Park (9) at UWI Bowl, third-place Rockfort (19) will battle arch-rivals Bull Bay (10) at Rockfort, and Rae Town, who are fourth in the standings on 18 points, will travel to Buttercup Park to face bottom-place Real Mona (5).

Santos (18) will play away to Barbican (13) at the Barbican playing field and Mountain View United (9) will entertain Constant Spring (9) at the Excelsior High School in the day's other matches. All games are set to start at 3 p.m.

Cavalier favourites

Cavalier, whose record stands at eight wins and three draws from 11 matches this season, should start favourites to win today's match over UWI, who are currently lingering at sixth place in the standings. Cavalier have also scored 25 goals, while conceding a mere eight.

On the other hand, the Neville 'Bertis' Bell-coached UWI record reads five wins, five draws and one defeat from their 11 matches this season. They have also scored 20 goals while conceding 11.

However, when both teams met earlier this season, the game ended in an exciting 2-2 draw. Despite this, Laylor said he was confident of a victory today.

"We played them in our first game of the season and it ended in a draw. But I think we have progressed nicely because we are on the top of the league, and I believe we should come out on top this time around," Laylor said.

"I also think that once we are able to put away our chances then we should be able to win this game because we have been creating a lot of chances, but our finishing has been letting us down," he added.

Crucial game

Cavalier will rest their hopes in the hands of their leading scorer, Michily Waugh, who has netted six goals this season, along with Horace Sharpe, Fabian Swaby, Donovan Alvaranga and Loxley Thompson.

Dwayne Lawrence, manager of UWI, who won the Major League last season, said today's game is a very important one for his team.

"It is a very crucial game for us because the leaders are six points ahead and in order for us to (get closer) we will have to beat them in this game," said Lawrence.

"I think we will have to be consistent in our play because we have improved offensively and defensively since our last game against them and if we can achieve these objectives, then I believe we can come out on top," he added.

UWI's hunt for goals will be led by the competition's leading goalscorer, Anthony Grant, who has netted 12 goals this season, along with Andrae Bernal (five goals) and Devon Smith.