Nodley Wright, Staff Reporter
TODAY'S End of Second round final in the Craven 'A' National Premier League should have the feel of a grudge as Harbour View and Tivoli Gardens go after each other in the quest for a prize money of $75,000.00, a trophy, and three bonus points for the winners.
The losers will collect $45,000 and one point.
The game takes place at 3:00pm at the Harbour View Mini-Stadium.
Both teams have had interesting battles all season long with Tivoli Gardens coming out the better until last week when led by the vision of Jermaine Hue and the courage of young Garfield Rennicks, Harbour View fought their way back from a goal down to win 2-1 in the semi-finals of the Jamaica National Federation Cup Knock Out competition.
The very proud Tivoli Gardens, who were losing just their second match in 11, will want to reverse their fortunes or lack of it, of last week. For Tivoli's coach Dave Clarke it is more than last week's disappointment that he will be aiming to erase. It is also the horrible performance in the first round.
"What is also important from a team perspective, based on the terrible performance that we gave in the first round, to finish second to last in the first round and to come and win the round(second). We are hoping to cap off that improved performance by winning the second round final," Clarke said.
A win and the three bonus points would also give Tivoli Gardens a good launching pad for the third and final round at the end of which the top four teams contest the semi-finals. The three points would move them up to 31 points, three behind leaders Constant Spring and put them in the top four behind Arnett Gardens and Hazard.
Clarke is confident that his team will come up with the goods even though the match is being played on the home ground of their opponents.
"Having beaten them before, especially on the ground on which we're going to play, gives us confidence," Clarke said. "In addition to that, man to man I think both teams are equal but we should be given the edge," he continued.
What Clarke did not say is that his confidence must be further boosted by the presence of the trio of Christopher Nicholas (nine goals), Dwayne Richards (eight goals) and Roland Dean - the most dangerous and productive unit in the league this season - especially in this round. If all three report fit for action then they will take some stopping.
"They beat us in the Federation Cup semi-final last week but this one is different, this one is a final. My players will be grilled in coming to realise how important this game is, not just for them but the community for which we are a part," added Clarke.
Peter Cargill has never been one to be moved by names and statistics, choosing to believe that the game will be played on the field on the particular day. Not even the fact that the game will be played at his home ground will be taken as an advantage for his players.
"Tivoli beat us there already and I do not think (that) all season we have had a great record there," the Harbour View coach said, ruling out an advantage to them.
"This is the final for the second round and we're grateful to be there, we've worked hard for that but we still have a lot more work to do. After that there is the third round coming up, it will be nine hard games and we will be working to win a place in the semi-finals," said Cargill indicating that the game itself is important but that their season's goal is far more important.
All season long Harbour View have had their doubsters according to Cargill, but his team will be going out to do their best. For them the approach will be a systematic one as they are well aware of the abilities of their opponents. As such no chances will be taken.
"I think Tivoli is a very talented bunch, they have good touches and are good on the ball so we can't allow them too much room to play...we've to shut them down. We did well the last time and we'll be working hard and looking to do better this time," he said.
Again he will have to do without the services of the injured defenders Damion Stewart and Christopher Harvey as well as the long-term casualty, Fabian Taylor. He should be happy with the return of inspirational captain Robert Scarlett, who should team up with Hue, Daniel Shaw and Kahreem Cooke to create opportunities for the forwards.
"Overall I think it will be an interesting game. It's about trying to gain the advantage as much as the points are concerned, to keep pace with the people infront of us. We know there's some money and a trophy on the table as well but we'll be trying to win the points as much as possible so in this regard we'll be trying to win the game," said Cargill.
