Sporting Central spurred by victory over Reggae Boyz

Nodley Wright, Gleaner Writer

Having disposed of the Reggae Boyz two Saturdays ago, the previously unfancied Sporting Central Academy will now turn their attention to smaller opponents, when action resumes today in the National Premier League.

On a day featuring a full slate of matches, the Clarendon-based team will host the promoted Highgate at Brancourt. Sitting in second position and eyeing a place in the end of first round final, a win over the plucky Highgate is crucial for the Vassel Reynolds-coached Sporting Central.

"We expect to carry over the momentum of the past two weeks into this game," Reynolds said, reflecting on their wins over neighbours Humble Lion and the Reggae Boyz.

"We had a good preparation against the national team which will help us for this game. It is a crucial game for us and we did factor three points into the equation for all home games and this is a continuation of that," added Reynolds.

According to Reynolds, beating the Reggae Boyz is a big achievement, but he will ensure that his charges do not get carried away.

Highgate, Reynolds pointed out, will be no pushovers. Sitting in seventh position in the 12-team league, Highgate have managed a close 2-3 loss to leaders Waterhouse, drawn 2-2 with Harbour View at home and an away draw with Portmore United.

Former national representative Donovan Davis and national invitee and former Jamaica Under-20 and Under-23 representative, Romeo Parkes, have been leading the charge for the St Mary-based team, and today should be no different.

Sporting Central, on the other hand, will be looking to Bahamas representative Leslie St. Fleur and company to carry them home.

"People who have following our team over the years would have recognised that creating goals was one of our problems. We thought that St Fleur would have been able to help us in that area and so far he looks like he will assist us there and create some as well," Reynolds said.

At Drewsland, the leaders Waterhouse will be aiming to maintain their perfect record when they host the improving Boys' Town. While Boys' Town got the better of Arnett Gardens in their last outing, they should find the home team much tougher customers and should be happy if they come away with a point.

Harbour View have been finding their footing with Jermaine Hue and Richard Edwards showing their class for them. Against the defending champions Tivoli Gardens, they will come up against a very potent strike force, including two of their former players Mitchily Waul, the competition's leading scorer, and Marcelino Blackburn. Add to that group national representatives Navion Boyd and Devon Hodges and Harbour's View's task will look even tougher.