Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

FOOTBALL FANS who will be lucky enough to witness the Harbour View/Waterhouse clash should be in a for a treat today.

While most of the matches should generate a fair share of interest, the one with the potential for the most explosive action is the one set for the Harbour View Mini-Stadium.

This match-up pits two teams who have gone to the wire against each other for the past two championships. A match between these sides is never dull and Lenworth Hyde Sr, coach of defending champions Harbour View, expects nothing different today.

"It is always a tough game between us. We know each other, so we know what to expect. What is good is that both teams play open, attractive football which should mean a game for the spectators, but we want to play in a way to ensure that we get full points," Hyde said.

After a sluggish start which has seen them get three draws from three games, including two at home to newcomers St Georges of Portland and Sporting Central of Clarendon, Hyde is confident his troops are getting into a winning form.

"Based on the way we have been looking of late we should do well. The defence is in good shape, the forward line is looking much better with Fabian Taylor scoring twice in the last game and Kavin Bryan looking good having started in that game and he should start again," Hyde said.

"Kemeel Wolfe should be back, Jermaine Hue and the others should be in contention, (Lovel) Palmer started at right back in the last game and could start there again so, all in all, we are coming on nicely and will find our feet," Hyde continued.

Too difficult to call

As far as Waterhouse's Felix Porter is concerned, this game will be too difficult to call, but whatever happens, his players should be up to the task.

"I have no predictions on this one. Games between both teams have always been tough and this one will be no different. While I cannot call this one, what I will say is that both teams have been well prepared and are true competitors," Porter said.

Like Taylor of Harbour View, Waterhouse will be looking to Jomo Gordon to provide the goals. But while Gordon is reliable, Waterhouse's strength is in the midfield with the likes of Damion Williams, Jonothan Williams, Vincent Earle, Weston Forrest and the returned resident Ramon Bailey who has an eye on a national cap.

"Bailey, I would say, has been our find this season. He is in good form and has something to prove so I am expecting a quality game from him," Porter said of the former Jamaica youth player who grew up in the United States.

Belongs among the big boys

At Collie Smith Drive, Boys' Town will be aiming to get the better of a Sporting Central team which has already shown enough to convince that it belongs among the big boys. Oneke Ford has shown that he is a goalscorer of note and with Winston Griffiths playing the role of provider, he could profit again this afternoon. On the other hand, Boys' Town will be looking to the veteran Oneil McDonald for inspiration.

If the telling off that coach Glendon 'Admiral' Bailey gave his Tivoli Gardens' charges following their lousy loss to Portmore United is still ringing in their ears then Reno will face a tough afternoon. Reno are playing well below their abilities, but in Kirk Wright and Ricardo Scott they have proven goalscorers. If they just get it right, then Tivoli Gardens could be in trouble.

Having found the 'goal-den' touch, Arnett Gardens could be just a bit too much for St. Georges despite the latter having the home advantage.

Village United's run of poor form is not expected to change this afternoon when they host Portmore United. The former champions have had a staccato season so far and if they are to challenge for the title will have to find some consistency sooner than later.

New Village coach Fitzroy 'Johnny' Reid managed to rally them when he took over last season and nothing short of that kind of impact will help them.

Theodore Whitmore is increasingly looking like the real thing as coach of Seba United; leading them to the top of the table. Today, against August Town, they should not come away with less than a point providing they are able to end the game with 11 players, something they did not manage in their last two.

TODAY'S GAMES

3:30 p.m.: Harbour View vs. Waterhouse at Harbour View.

3:30 p.m.: Boys' Town vs. Sporting Central at Collie Smith.

4:00 p.m.: Tivoli Gardens vs. Reno at Edward Seaga Stadium.

3:30 p.m.: St. Georges vs. Arnett Gardens at Lynch Park.

3:30 p.m.: Village United vs. Portmore United at Elleston Wakeland.

3:30 p.m.: August Town vs Seba United at UWI.