Kwesi Mugisa, Staff Reporter

PORTMORE UNITED could tighten their grip on the leadership of the Cash Plus Premier League, but first they must find a way to cool off red-hot Village United when the teams meet in a rescheduled fixture today at 3:30 at the Elliston Wakeland Centre.

With a win this afternoon, the St Catherine team could move three points clear of Tivoli Gardens, with which they are currently locked up with on 56, but ahead on goal difference. However, far from the days when they seemed to languish hopelessly at the bottom of the league, Village are unbeaten since the start of the third round.

A massive 17 points accumulated from five wins and two draws this round has moved the Trelawny team from last place to seventh and they are now in the race for a spot in the league's elite six.

Implemented this season, a new fourth round will consist of five ,,games which will see the teams in the top half of the league at the end of the third round compete with each other, while the teams in the bottom half of the table will play among themselves.

Playing good football

"We do understand that right now they are playing very good football. In fact, they are unbeaten since the start of the third round, so it will be a tough game," said Portmore coach Linval Dixon.

"However, we are confident that we will be able to go down there and grind out a result. It might not be the most attractive game we play but we are determined to get something out of the game," he said.

Portmore will not have striker Anthony Bennett or goalkeeper Dwayne Kerr available, but believe there are adequate replacements for both players.

Despite seeing three of his starters unavailable due to injury, Village coach Paul 'Tegat' Davis intends to fight to earn a favourable result.

"We have a couple of injuries going into the game so it is very important that we fight and play together as a team today; they are a very good team," Davis said. "Right now, we are still focusing on staying clear of the relegation zone. All the teams are all close so we can't afford to drop any points," the coach said when asked about the prospect of securing a place in the top six.

Village are currently in seventh place with 29 points, following today's game, only three remain in the third round.

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