Rivoli aim to buck trend... But surprise package Highgate determined to pour more misery on Spanish Town team

Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

Rivoli United will look to stop the rot which threatens to erode the team's chance of returning to top-flight football when they take on the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) All-Island Confederation play-off surprise package, Highgate, in a crucial game at the Spanish Town Prison Oval at 3 p.m. today.

In the day's other match, Cavalier, leaders in the previous round, will hope to put their slip-up on the weekend firmly behind them, but face a tough task as they travel to Jarrett Park where they face joint leaders Seba United.

Having entered the competition as one of the favourites to gain promotion, Rivoli have experienced a dismal run of form, claiming just one point from their first three games, suffering back-to-back defeats in their last two.

huge blow

Another slip-up, while not putting them mathematically out of the running, would be a huge blow to the South Central Confed champions.

"It is pretty obvious that we haven't been doing the right thing. I have been analysing our play in the last few results and we haven't been defending properly," Rivoli's head coach, Calvert Fitzgerald, told The Gleaner.

"We have been making poor decisions, leaving people unmarked, and at the other end of the pitch, offensively, we have failed to put away our chances. If we are to make it to the Premier League, then both these issues have to be addressed and we intend to start today."

a boost

With their struggles in front of goal, the team will be boosted by the return of Fidel Edwards, who missed the team's last game following a red card.

It may be said that things have gone in the opposite direction for Highgate who, despite having several experienced players, flew in under the radar for the qualifiers.

Since then, however, the Eastern Confederation champions have more than proven their pedigree with two draws in their opening game and an away win over Cavalier, the Kingston and St Andrew Football Association champions, in their last outing.

Their 2-0 win over Cavalier is one which, according to Highgate coach Calvin Lewis, gave the players a boost of confidence ahead of tomorrow's encounter. However, he will be cautious of a wounded Rivoli, who he expects to be dangerous on their home turf.

"We are very wary of this Rivoli team playing at home and desperate for points. We know that we will have to work assiduously to get the result we want and the players will do that," Lewis said.

"Yes, our away win was a huge motivation, it gave the players a lot of confidence and players always play better with confidence. They know the Premier League is in reach, so they will give it their all, not just tomorrow, but in their remaining games."

Seba, who share the lead with Highgate, on five points each, will be looking for a better performance in front of goal, as they were wasteful in their last encounter, despite beating Rivoli 1-0.

Cavalier (four points), the previous leaders, will be gunning for all three points, as a win would put them back in firm contention at this stage.