Portmore, Arnett in mega RSPL clash ... UWI secure key win over Cavalier
The University of the West Indies (UWI) made a big step towards a spot in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) Championship stage when they edged Cavalier 2-1 at Stadium East yesterday.
The win pushed the team to seventh place on 42 points, just outside of the top-six play-off spot with two rounds remaining. While, Cavalier remained on 44 points in sixth position.
UWI scored two early goals courtesy of striker Akeem Thenstead in the 12th minute and Ryan Miller, who netted his 10th goal of the season in the 26th minute. National midfielder Chevone ‘Messi’ Marsh scored for his team in the 82nd minute.
In another game, Waterhouse edged Montego Bay United 2-1 at Drewsland for a fourth consecutive win in their attempt to seal a top-six spot.
Andre McFarlane and Allan Ottey scored for the home side, while Bahamian Lesly St Fleur scored for the visitors.
GOAL DIFFERENCE
Waterhouse are close to sealing a top-six spot after moving to fourth spot on 47 points, the same as Tivoli Gardens. However, Tivoli enjoy a better goal difference.
Meanwhile, in tonight’s RSPL Live game, Portmore United, who finished as preliminary stage champions, face off against reigning champions Arnett Gardens at the Anthony Spaulding Complex, starting at 8:30.
This matchup is a repeat of last season’s final, which Arnett won 2-1 at the National Stadium. With Portmore safe, Arnett will be gunning for a victory in order to clinch the second-place berth.
Coach of Arnett Jerome Waite says the objective is to beat Portmore and win their two remaining games in order to seal second position for the play-offs.
“Every game we play, the objective is to win. We are at home so it is always to achieve a positive result. Portmore have scored the most goals and have the best defensive record. Arnett is the second best goal-scoring team, but we have given up a lot of goals. Despite that, I am still looking forward to a good game,” Waite said.
Arnett will rely on captain Oneil ‘Bigga’ Thompson, the competition’s leading goalscorer Fabian Reid who is on 16 goals, Renae Lloyd and Marvin Morgan.
Pormore will continue to rotate players in order to keep fresh for the run in for the Championship title. The Shavar Thomas-coached team will look to national players, Maalique Foster, Javon East, Ricardo Morris, Shaven Sean-Paul, as well as Jermie Lynch and captain Ewan Grandison.