Nodley Wright, Freelance Writer

WATERHOUSE WILL welcome the return of their 'national' representatives for the crucial clash against one of the form teams of the third round, Boys' Town, in today's key clash in the Cash Plus Premier League.

After a remarkable run in the second round which saw Waterhouse improving from the ninth position they held at the end of the second round, they have seen themselves get off to and maintain a poor form for the third round.

So poor has their form been in the third round that only Reno, who are in danger of relegation, sit below them in the third-round table, by goal difference.

Playing catch up

In their last game, Waterhouse were hammered 3-0 by Sporting Central, but coach Wayne Fairclough is confident his charges have recovered from that low.

"The third round is one we will try to forget, but it will not be easy. Playing catch up in the second round after being in ninth position and ending the second round in second took a toll on us. We just have to try to recharge and come again," Fairclough said of their performances thus far.

The Sporting Central loss and the week off due to Harbour View's engagement abroad gave them time for introspection.

"That loss was heart wrenching. The players and myself used the last two weeks involved to do a lot of soul searching and I think we are ready now," he said.

Boys' Town, outside of Village United, have been the team of the round, recording some impressive victories and it will take more than soul searching to stop them as, despite being in third position and nine points behind leaders Tivoli Gardens, they are still harbouring thoughts of taking the title.

Fine players

Disposing of Harbour View, four points behind them, would improve their chances.

"This is a game that my team is up to. We are cognisant of the fact that Waterhouse have all their players who went to Brazil available and that should make them a much tougher opposition but we, however, are not perturbed by that. They are a team that we respect but not one we fear," Boys' Town coach Andrew Price said.

With a fine form of players such as Denzil Watson, Oneil McDonald, George Vernal, Fabian Watkins and Renae Lloyd, Price has reason to be optimistic.

Waterhouse will be able to call on the likes of national goalkeeper Richard McCallum, who has recovered from injuries to both hands, Vincent Earle, Weston Forrest, Roberto Fletcher, Jomo Gordon and young Jahmali Spence. Maurice Evans, Desmond Breakenridge, Hugh Howell, Irvino English and Marco McDonald could also be called upon.

Going positive

"We are confident in our abilities, which is why we are convinced that we can go to Drewsland and take care of business. We are going for a positive result," said Price. "As long as we play our game and provide the service for the likes of Oniel McDonald, George Vernal and Denzil Watson then we will finish."

At the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex, Village United will be hard pressed to keep their unbeaten third-round record against and Arnett Gardens, a team hovering just above the relegation zone. Anything but a win for the home team could spell trouble and possible unrest.

Reno are even more desperate than Arnett Gardens as they share the relegation spots with August Town. The good news for them is that their top two players, Nicholy Findlayson and O'Brian Wood-bine, will be available to face St. Georges.

Sporting Central have been inching their way back up the table and should be encouraged by their last two games, a handsome win over Reno and an important draw away to Boys' Town.

Those should give them the confidence they will need against tough title hopefuls Tivoli Gardens who only last week stopped Reno 3-1.

TODAY'S GAMES

Arnett Gardens vs Village United at Tony Spaulding Sports Complex 5:00 p.m.

Reno vs St. Georges at STETHS 3:30 p.m.

Sporting Central vs Tivoli Gardens at Brancourt, 3:30 p.m.

Waterhouse vs Boys' Town at Drewsland, 6:00 p.m.

Portmore vs August Town at Ferdie Neita Park, 7:00 p.m.

Seba United vs Harbour View at Jarrett Park, 6:30 p.m.

STANDINGS

P W D L GF GA GD Pts

Tivoli Gardens 28 16 4 8 36 30 6 52

Portmore 27 14 8 5 39 19 20 50

Boys' Town 28 10 13 5 22 20 2 43

Waterhouse 27 9 12 6 33 29 4 39

Harbour View 27 9 11 7 35 29 6 38

St. Georges 28 9 8 11 33 30 3 35

Seba 28 9 7 12 36 40 -4 34

Sporting Central 28 8 9 11 34 41 -7 33

Village 27 8 8 11 29 30 -1 32

Arnett Gardens 28 5 16 7 27 26 1 31

Reno FC 28 5 12 11 30 43 -13 27

August Town 28 6 8 14 27 42 -15 26