Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

Norman Bailey of Meadhaven United (second left) collides with Barrington Planter of Rivoli United during the National Premier League football qualifier at the Constant Spring Oval on Sunday. The match ended 0-0. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

Meadhaven United's coach, Alrick Clarke, is optimistic that his team will be promoted to the National Premier League (NPL), despite their 0-0 draw with second-place Rivoli United at Constant Spring on Sunday.

Clarke stated that the team was not accustomed to playing so many matches in such a short period. However, Meadhaven have two matches and need only a draw to cement their place in the top league. They will play York, which have seven points, on Wednesday, and they also have an outstanding game against Wadadah, who are yet to earn a point.

"It has taken a lot out of the players but they stood up today," he said after Sunday's match. "We are definitely still in contention for the top spot and just need another point to secure ourselves."

Difficult encounter

It may prove to be a difficult encounter, though, as Meadhaven will be without sweeper Robert Palmer, who was given marching orders in the 45th minute by referee Ricardo Sailsman for violent conduct.

"We will have to go out there and put our best foot forward. York are improving with every game, so we have to be careful," Clarke said.

Meadhaven are ahead of the pack on 10 points, two ahead of Rivoli who are also determined to secure their spot in the NPL.

Assistant coach of Rivoli, Jermaine Thomas, stated that his team is ready for the challenge.

"We are still in a very good position. We will only need a win against Wadadah and I am sure the players will turn up and deliver," Thomas said.

Thomas further stated that in order for the team to be certain of victory, it is imperative that they maintain possession of the ball.

"I think if we keep ball possession inside the middle third, then it will be a different game. We will also need to be more precise with our final passes," he noted.

Rivoli will also be without one of their top players, Omar Parker, when they face Wadadah as he was given his second caution in the 55th minute.