Sport

Second round NPL showdown at Stadium

By AINSLEY WALTERS, Staff Reporter

Waterhouse's Demar Phillips (left) and Roen Nelson of Portmore. - IAN ALLEN

CALL IT CONFIDENCE or whatever you may, but Portmore coach Paul Young pulled no punches recently in saying his side was ready to hand rivals Waterhouse a whipping in tonight's second round final of the Wray and Nephew Premier League at the National Stadium.

Dismissing their only loss of the round, ironically against Waterhouse, Young said his players are burning to avenge the 1-0 defeat that snapped their eight-game unbeaten streak.

"Waterhouse didn't play all that well when they beat us," he noted. "We really gave up a soft goal so I'm not at all worried about them," added the former national player, who turned up at Caymanas Park on Saturday to enjoy his second passion - a day at the races.

Waterhouse coach Peter Cargill, who played alongside Young as a former Reggae Boy, has kept his cards close to his chest and pointed out that his players will have to win some "little battles" on the pitch if they're "to win the war".

Whereas Portmore ended the first round in fourth position, it will be the second time around for Waterhouse, who lost the first round final 1-0 to Harbour View.

Crucial match

Cargill will have two key players returning for the 8:00 p.m. match-up. Overlapping right-back Damion Powell and midfielder Demar Phillips are expected to be in Cargill's squad for the clash featuring the league's joint overall leaders.

Striker Kevin Lamey, who set up two goals against Arnett and scored the third in a crucial match that helped put Waterhouse in the final, is on the injury list but should recover in time to face Portmore.

"They're a tough team to play," remarked Cargill. "We can't allow them space to play. They have good organisation, a consistent group that works hard together."

Apart from their loss to Waterhouse, a Baris Johnson volley at the back post after goalkeeper Shawn Sawyers parried a free-kick in his path, Portmore have been displaying almost immortal status this round.

Playing Arnett Gardens two Sundays ago, Portmore went in at the break with a three-goal lead and played in cruise control for the remainder of the match, not to mention that they were away at the Tony Spaulding Sports Complex.

Waterhouse, who drew 0-0 with Constant Spring the same afternoon, have Roger Rodney to thank for being in the final. The bald-pated defender was extremely alert to clear Walter Boyd's cheeky volley off the line, saving the day for Waterhouse, who advanced on goals-scored over Tivoli Gardens with whom they shared identical points and goal difference.

Attack will be key and that's where Portmore have the edge with the likes of Deerr, Roen Nelson, Jason Morrison and Dave Clarke. Fabian Malcolm has also added strength to Portmore's midfield, proof of that was his two goals against Arnett in their last match.

Waterhouse's dependence on Lamey could be their downfall. Since Uche Chinyere left last season, the Drewsland team is yet to find a lethal striker to partner Lamey upfront. However, the return of Phillips and Powell could boost their attacks.

Grandstand tickets will cost $500 and Bleachers $300.