Showdown in the 'Jungle' - Arnett host Tivoli at Spaulding Complex

Nodley Wright, Sunday Gleaner Writer

With their appetites whetted with last week's restart of the National Premier League, football fans islandwide will be hoping for some satisfaction today from a full slate of matches. Fittingly, the action is spread over the island with just one match set for Kingston and St Andrew.

To neutrals, the Arnett Gardens-Tivoli Gardens clash is always one to witness and today's game should be no different. Even when at different ends of the table, this fixture never disappoints and with both teams starting the season with wins early season bragging rights are at stake.

"It is always a game that is very intense and people will always be coming aggressively at each other and we just have to expect that. We know that they are in form and their confidence will be high and the expectation is high, but it is the same with us and we plan to defend our title with everything we have this season," said Tivoli Gardens coach Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey whose team had to claw their way back to defeat the promoted Montego Bay United 2-1 on the opening day.

Like Bailey, Arnett Gardens' Paul 'Tegat' Davis is expecting an exciting game.

Focused and ready

"It is going to be an exciting game. Every time this team plays, they try to play their best and exciting football and I think these two teams are upbeat, and I think the guys are focused and ready to go," Davis said of his players, who left the Trelawny Multi-purpose Stadium feeling like losers despite claiming the three points as they had their cellphones stolen from the changing room.

While the case of the missing phones seems to be heading to a solution, Davis expects his players to be focused on the game and the game alone while the battle starts. Navion Boyd and Jameel Thompson, scorers of the goals in Tivoli's opening day win, as well as new boy Mitchley Waul, are expected to lead the Tivoli charge, while Kirk Ramsay, new signing Errol Stevens and Rohan Reid will be Arnett's key players.

At the Montego Bay Sports Complex, home team Montego Bay United will be hoping to collect their first points of the season. They gave a good account of themselves on the opening day as they just failed to hold on to a point after taking the lead against the defending champions, Tivoli Gardens.

Boys' Town uncharacteristically opened their season with a loss at home to Reno. A second successive loss following their impressive performance last season could have them second-guessing themselves.

Having had another week to look at his revamped team, Sporting Central coach, Vassell Reynolds, will be in a better position to press the right buttons to get his team going against Village United in a battle between two of the teams which are yet to record a point. Village United, according to reports, were unfortunate to lose to Arnett Gardens and could be dangerous on the rebound especially if Dino Williams gets his shooting boots in order.

Last week's fixture saw coach Lenworth Hyde getting the better of Harbour View, one of his former teams, and will be aiming to make it two in a row when Humble Lion host Portmore United. In their often-physical game against Harbour View, it was clear that the Lions had shed the cloak of humility and are not prepared to play second fiddle to anyone.

Point to prove

Besides Hyde, captain Tyrone Sawyers and Wolry Wolfe, one the scorers against Harbour View, will be out to prove a point against their former team in what will resemble a local derby. Portmore United, on the other hand, will be looking to make it two successive wins over Clarendon following their win over Sporting Central and quality performances from Tremaine Stewart, Andrew Vanzie, Eric Vernan and Adrian Reid will improve their chances.

Highgate United stretched Harbour View in their debut NPL game last week but could find the going a little toady when they host Harbour View. Their task could be harder not just because Harbour View are still smarting from their opening day loss but because they will have the services of the magical Jermaine Hue and the combative and inspirational Richard Edwards. These two were seen as the missing links in Harbour View's loss. Hue is known for his creativity while Edwards is expected to provide stability to the midfield.

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  Today's games

5 p.m.: Montego Bay United vs Boys' Town - Catherine Hall

3:30 p.m.: Sporting Central vs Village United - Brancourt

3:30 p.m.: Humble Lion FC vs Portmore United - Effortville

3:30 p.m.: Highgate United vs Harbour View - Lynch Park

3:30 p.m.: Reno vs Waterhouse - Frome Sports Complex

6 p.m.: Arnett Gardens vs Tivoli Gardens - Anthony Spaulding Complex