Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

FORMER CHAMPIONS Portmore United will have an excellent opportunity to cement their second-place position and increase the pressure on leaders Harbour View should they drop any points in the Wray and Nephew National Premier League today.

They travel to the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex for a duel with the faltering 'Junglists' at 4:00 p.m.

The Linval Dixon-coached team has emerged as the greatest threat to Harbour View in the title race following the downturn in form of former leaders and defending champions Waterhouse and the team of the second round, Reno.

Dixon, a former national representative and club stalwart, believes that his troops are ready for the charge.

"We are going there for three points but at the same time we want to play to the best of our abilities," said Dixon.

just rewards

While not looking past today's game, Dixon said if his team continues to perform well each game, then it will get just rewards in the end.

"As far as the title is concerned we just have to take care of what we can control. If we continue to play to the best of our abilities and not drop any points, the rest will take care of itself," said Dixon, pointing out that they have a rescheduled game to play against Harbour View which could reduce the deficit to three points. This, of course, depends on a win over Arnett Gardens.

Arnett Gardens for their part appear ripe for the picking. In addition to internal disputes which have seen two key players, Marcelino Blackburn and Kevin Wilson, suspended from the club for the remainder of the season, there is daily violence tearing the community apart.

This situation has left coach Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey wringing his hands.

"With all the vibes that is happening in the community and the internal vibes, I cannot tell when this team will perform at its best," Bailey said.

"Even on Wednesday, heading to play Tivoli Gardens, the bus drove straight into the incident where the three people were killed and some players even requested that theygo home. The following day four more were killed in the community and some players are closely tied to them," a sombre Bailey said.

Efforts have been made to lift the spirits of the players and to get them to play for pride but, according to the man more known for his jovial side, it is an uphill task.

"We all know that this is a team when in the right frame of mind can give any team problems as you saw recently against Reno but right now it is difficult and it is only the strength of God that has caused us to remain in the league," Bailey said.

But while motivation is proving difficult for Arnett Gardens there is no such problem for Portmore and Dixon. The players, Dixon said, have responded positively to him and even the some times problematic Onandi Lowe is playing close to his best again.

"Lowe and I go back a far way. There has always been that mutual respect between us and now it is an honour to be his coach. Right now he is much sharper than he was before which is the reason for his improved performance but he could still improve some more as well as the entire team," said the youngest head coach in the league.

TODAY'S GAMES

Harbour View vs. August Town at Harbour View - 6:00 p.m.

Village United vs. Boy's Town at Elliston Wakeland Centre - 3:30 p.m.

Naggo Head vs. Seba United at Ferdie Neita Park - 3:30 p.m.

Arnett Gardens vs. Portmore United at Tony Spaulding Sports Complex - 4:00 p.m.

Reno vs. Waterhouse at STETHS - 3:30 p.m.

Tivoli Gardens vs. Wadadah at Edward Seaga Stadium - 3:30 p.m.