Tivoli, Harbour View in big KO showdown

Ryon Jones, Gleaner Writer

Old rivalry will be re-newed as the only all-Premier League clash takes centrestage in the quarter-finals of the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA)/Claro Jackie Bell Knockout competition today, when Tivoli Gardens entertain Harbour View at the Edward Seaga Complex, starting at 5 p.m.

Both teams engaged in a thrilling battle last season for the Premier League crown, with Tivoli leading for most of the way before being surpassed and beaten to the title by The Stars of the East.

The teams have met three times so far this season, twice in the Premier League, which is led by Tivoli Gardens, and in the first leg of the knockout. Tivoli topped the first league meeting 1-0, with Harbour View turning the tables in the second round to come away 3-2 winners.

However, the teams were unable to muster a goal in their first-leg knockout encounter, as they played to a nil-all stalemate at the Harbour View Mini Stadium.

Not converting chances

They have also been struggling to come by goals in the league, as both have combined for a mere three in six outings. Neither coach is, however, expressing much concern about their team's poor goalscoring form.

"One of the important things that have been happening is that we have been getting the chances, we just haven't been converting," Tivoli's coach Alvin Shaw expressed.

"So I am hoping come tomorrow (today) the ball will end up in the back of net," he added.

Harbour View's coach, Donovan Hayles, declared: "I am not overly concerned as we are creating, it is about trying to get the players to maintain, concentrate and be confident in front of goal."

Hayles is also looking to his team to find an all-important away goal.

"Tomorrow is about getting on the scoresheet and once we get on the scoresheet we can then advance based on a draw or a victory, while Tivoli have to depend on an outright win," Hayles stated.

Tivoli, though, are wary of the consequences of conceding and will be doing everything to prevent this.

"The competition means a lot to us ... so we are really going out there tomorrow to work hard, and one of our objectives is to not give up any goals as the goal would give them an advantage," explained Shaw.

In the other quarter-final match-ups, Waterhouse are poised to advance as they hold a 4-2 advantage over Police National, who they will entertain at Drewsland. Arnett Gardens will also have some breathing space as they play away to Greenwich Town, who they defeated 2-0 in the first leg. Long-standing rivals Boys' Town and Santos will do battle at Collie Smith Drive, with the Red Brigade holding the upper hand, having scored away in their 1-1 first-leg draw.

Today's Games

Boys' Town vs Santos at Collie Smith Drive at 3 p.m.

Greenwich Town vs Arnett Gardens at Tinson Pen at 3:30 p.m.

Tivoli Gardens vs Harbour View at Edward Seaga Sports Complex at 5 p.m.

Waterhouse vs Police National at Waterhouse Mini Stadium at 6 p.m.