Portmore, Village could play spoiler's role

... As Tivoli, Boys' Town seek to press claims in title race

Nodley Wright, Gleaner Writer

Portmore United and Village United could play major roles today in deciding the outcome of this season's Digicel Premier League (DPL) without actually benefiting.

With three rounds remaining after today's schedule and five points separating the top two teams - Tivoli Gardens and Boys' Town - a Tivoli Gardens defeat at the hands of Portmore United and a Village United loss to Boys' Town could set up an interesting scramble.

Should those scenarios play out and both contenders win their remaining two games, the title could be decided on the final day when Tivoli Gardens host Boys' Town.

For the above to happen, a number of things would have to change with the current form book as Portmore United have not won in their last nine games, during which they have had five losses. Over that stretch, on the occasions when they have scored, the St Catherine-based team have not netted more than one goal in a game.

Tivoli Gardens have managed to remain unbeaten over the last 12 games. On the one occasion they faltered, that was righted by the stewards as Humble Lion had used an ineligible player; and with Navion Boyd, Keammar Daley and Roland Dean to call on, they are not expected to finish scoreless.

a history of relaxing

As far as Boys' Town are concerned, this game could not have come at a better time. Village United have shown a history of relaxing once their fate of survival has been decided. Assistant coach Gregory Palmer all but confirmed that that disease has already set in.

"It is kind of difficult to motivate the players being that they have achieved the objective of getting into the top six," Palmer said. "But we are trying to achieve another objective of coming fourth in the league."

Getting rid of that state of mind will be very difficult for Village United to achieve, especially with the absence of Leon Irving, Cordel Simpson and Andre Moore, to suspension and injury.

Since their return to top-flight football, Boys' Town have not had a better opportunity at a title and coach Andrew Price would not want to let it slip.

"What we have to do is to take care of our own business. We have to go out there and play positive football and definitely get a victory at home. This is our last home game for the season, so we want to put on a grand show for our spectators and get the maximum three points," explained Price.

The return of the giant midfielder Oneil Thompson has really energised the Boys' Town team and with support from Renae Lloyd, the solid Asrick Samuels, goalkeeper Kirk Porter and the young pair of Marvin Morgan and Jamiel Hardware, Boys' Town should have too much for Village United.

At the other end of the table, St Georges would do their chances of survival a world of good and resurrect the reputation of coach Geoffrey Maxwell, if they are able to get the better of Reno.

Sporting Central are expected to record their second successive victory in this round, while a Humble Lion loss to Arnett Gardens would see the water level rise to their nose.

In the final game of the day, Harbour View and Waterhouse will battle for third place and a greater sum when the spoils are divided at the end of the season.

Today's games:

3:30 p.m.: Boys' Town vs Village at Collie Smith Drive - KLAS RADIO GAME

6 p.m.: Waterhouse vs Harbour View at Waterhouse Mini Stadium

4 p.m.: Portmore vs Tivoli at Ferdie Neita Park - HITZ 92 RADIO GAME

3:30 p.m.: Humble Lion vs Arnett at Effortville Community Centre

3:30 p.m.: Benfica vs Sporting Central at Drax Hall

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