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Stabroek News

First crown on the line
published: Sunday | November 6, 2005

Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

FOLLOWING THE dress rehearsal of their early season meeting, the top two teams in the Wray and Nephew National Premier League meet today in the real thing ­ the end of first round final, at the Harbour View Mini-Stadium. Game time is 5:00 p.m.

Up for grabs are a prize money of $165,000 for the winners, $110,000 for the runners-up and a winner's trophy.

The 'Stars of the East' (27 points) could go into this game as favourites based on the facts that they finished the round seven points ahead of 'Junglists' (20 points) and dismantled their year-to-year rivals 3-1 in the first meeting. However, as far as Arnett's coach, Michael Tulloch, is concerned, that would be a simplistic way of looking at today's match.

"Right now the overall attitude of the team has changed and our challenge right now is to capitalise on the chances we create," Tulloch said. "Once we capitalise on the chances that we will be creating ­ because they cannot stop us from creating chances ­ we will win," declared the former Jamaica Defence Force and Jamaica marksman.

The improved mood in his team could be down to the addition of the key trio of forward Kevin Wilson, who marked his return to the team with a double strike, and midfielders Patrick Graham and Johnathan Williams.

"The truth is that we are not where we want to be right now but we are seeing some semblance of that coming in. Some missing pieces have been added, the discipline is rising, other areas of the team are taking shape," Tulloch explained. Barrington Gaynor, assistant coach of Harbour View, acknowledged the strides made by Arnett Gardens ahead of today's clash.

MUCH BETTER TEAM

"Arnett Gardens are a much better team right now than the one we beat 3-1. They have made additions which seem to be working for them," Gaynor, a former Harbour View and Jamaica defensive standout, said.

"This game is a final. Not a regular season game so Arnett Gardens will be very motivated. We know that we will be in for a very competitive game," he added.

With the changes and improvements made by Arnett Gardens, Gaynor clearly stated that his team will not see their earlier win as a sign that Arnett Gardens will be blown away in a similar fashion.

"For us, whatever happened in the first round has no bearing on what takes place today. We are looking forward to a competitive match and we are ready," he declared.

Harbour View find themselves in the unusual position of hosting a final in which they are involved. For the outsider, this could be another reason to bet on a Harbour View win. Not so, said Gaynor.

"There is a little advantage but nothing to write home about. Yes, we train there everyday and we know it more than anyone else but there is also the home crowd factor. "Playing in front of our home crowd could be more pressure based on their demands so it goes both ways," he said.

Arnett Gardens? Tulloch also poured scorn on any perceived advantage Harbour View could have playing at home.
"We do not see it (playing at Harbour View) as a disadvantage. Once you apply yourself, wherever the game is played, you will get the desired result. It could be played in their bedroom, it does not matter.
"The fact that it is being played at Harbour View could make it even sweeter to beat them on their home ground. It adds more spice to the victory," was Tulloch?s declaration.
For today?s game, Arnett Gardens have declared a fully fit squad will players available for selection. In addition to the above-mentioned trio, Arnett Gardens will have captain Everton Bunsie, Cornel Chin-Sue, goalkeeper Julian McLeish, defenders Enrico Beech, Antholow Dawkins, Conroy Hall and attackers Gregg Taylor and Kwame Richardson to choose from.

Harbour View appear to be ailing with the expected absence of a number of key players. According to Gaynor, Donald Stewart, Richard Edwards out on cards, captain and leading scorer for the team, Lovel Palmer, Kevin King and Luton Shelton will be unavailable.
"Those are significant people but we are 30-strong so I am not worried. That is why every player has to be prepared so when their time comes, they go all-out to get the job done and I am confident that will be done," a positive Gaynor declared.
In Marcelino Blackburn, Kemar Petrekin and Leon Strickland, Harbour View have players to call on offensively. Locksley Thomas should lead the charge in midfield with Jermaine Taylor, William Richards and Alex Thomas and one of Ryan Thompson or Leighton Murray will be required to prevent any breach of the defensive line.
Whatever the outcome, this game should be an entertaining and competitive one.

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