Tivoli look to ambush Montego Bay United

After a number of years in the shadows as an assistant, the much-improved coach, Omar Edwards, will hope to once again lead his charges, Tivoli Gardens, to the top of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) table.

What would make such an occurrence even more special for Edwards is the fact that to achieve this, they would have to defeat the defending champions and current leaders, Montego Bay United (MBU), at Wespow Park, Montego Bay United's home ground. A victory would also avenge their first-round loss.

"In the first game, they beat us 1-0 at home, but that was not a true reflection of the game. (Today) we expect a tough game from them. We know that they have been the most consistent team in recent times and they have a pretty good squad, but we are going there for maximum points," said Edwards, who took over as coach in the off season.

Key to a Tivoli Gardens' win is former national representative Jermaine Johnson, Elton Thompson and youngster Tevin Shaw.

"Teddy is a top-class player and we know that if he is demotivated, then he will lose interest, so we keep the communication with him open and keep him motivated. He has played professionally overseas and he is the first at training every day and he has never backed out of training, which shows in his performance.

BIG FACTOR

"He will be a big factor for us as will Tevin Shaw and Elton Thompson. Shaw is only 19, but he has a lot of vision, tackles well and can score. He is the modern central midfielder, he does everything," Edwards added.

Montego Bay United are a star-studded team with no fewer than seven players recently invited to the national squad. Veteran midfielder Dwayne Ambusley, goalkeeper Jacomeno Barrett, defender Ladale Ritchie, and the attacking band of Dino Williams, Allan Ottey, Owayne Gordon and schoolboy Jourdaine Fletcher are the national invitees. That is a dangerous bunch and, if they click, could blow away any opposition.

Coach Dillon Thelwell will be taking nothing for granted.

"Although we are playing at home and are always confident there, it won't be easy," Thelwell said.

At the Mona Bowl, second-year team UWI FC will seek to maintain their distance from challengers Humble Lion, who are only three points behind. A draw would be good enough for that.

Today's Games:

- 6 p.m.: Waterhouse vs Harbour View - Drewsland Stadium

- 3 p.m.: Portmore United vs Arnett Gardens - Prison Oval

- 3 p.m.: Montego Bay United vs Tivoli Gardens - Wespow Park

- 3 p.m.: Jamalco vs Reno - Wembley Centre of Excellence

- 3 p.m.: UWI FC vs Humble Lion - UWI Bowl, Mona

- 3 p.m.: Boys' Town vs Maverley-Hughenden - Barbican Complex