Top-of-the-table clash in JPL

Leaders Mount Pleasant Academy and second place Waterhouse FC have laid down their markers as the teams to beat this season after six matches each in the 2021-22 Jamaica Premier League (JPL).

Although today’s top-of-the-table clash between the teams, starting 3.15 p.m. at Drax Hall, should have very little bearing on the outcome of the championship, a victory for either team will be a huge psychological boost for the winners going forward.

In the opening match of the double-header, Humble Lion take on Harbour View at 1 p.m.

It is only the second time since last season that teams have had the opportunity to play on grass, with most games confined to the UWI-Captain Horace Burrell Centre of Excellence’s synthetic surface.

Mount Pleasant’s coach Walter Downes believes that the team that is able to adjust to this change best will hold the advantage in what he expects to be a very tight affair.

“We are so used to playing on the artificial surface, I think the team that adjusts to the grass surface quicker in the game will get a distinct advantage,” he said.

With just a draw in their six matches, Mount Pleasant have taken 16 of a possible 18 points. They have netted four or more in three of those games, scoring 16 goals and conceding just three.

They have also proved that they can grind out results, with two one nil wins and a 1-1 draw.

Downes noted that he has great respect for his opponents but they will be doing all they can to come out on top.

“We are hoping we have everybody to choose from. We have a couple injuries but we have prepared as best as we can,” he said.

Attackers Daniel Green (five goals), Allan Ottey, Alwayne Harvey, Devonte Campbell and Ricardo Morris have been in irrepressible form, and their contributions will be crucial to a Mount Pleasant victory.

Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle also expects a game that will be decided on fine margins, and he said they must make use of their chances in the game.

“It is a top-of-the-table clash. It is going to be a humdinger, so you can expect all the fireworks.

“It is the two most attacking teams in the competition. So it is going to be a close game. Nevertheless we are ready to go out and perform,” he said.

After four wins in their opening four matches, Waterhouse have taken just one point from their last two, but Gayle is unperturbed and expects his team to match strides with their opponents.

“In a season you are going to have ups and downs. We understand the nature of the sport, that you are not always going to be on top, but we relish this opportunity to go out and prove ourselves,” he said.

“Last season, we beat them twice, once in the semi-finals and once in the regular season. But it is a new year and a new team, so the focus will be a bit different.”

Former Mount Pleasant forward, Cardel Benbow (three goals), has been the leading Waterhouse attacker this season. The former Mount Pleasant player will be looking to do well against his former teammates. He will get good support from Andre Fletcher, Ramone Howell, Andre Leslie and Ricardo Thomas.

Mount Pleasant lead the standings with 16 points, three more than Waterhouse.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com