Arnett, Mt Pleasant set for big Premier League showdown

If things go according to plan, the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex could be the site of an exciting climax to a day of football in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) with former champions Arnett Gardens entertaining the high-powered second-year team Mount Pleasant FA at 8 p.m. today.

This game will be preceded by three matchups at 3:30 p.m. – Molynes United tackle Dunbeholden at Constant Spring, Waterhouse travel to the Edward Seaga Sports Complex to do battle with Tivoli Gardens, while UWI FC and Cavalier go head-to-head at the UWI Mona Bowl.

At the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, both teams believe that they have matters to make right and will be going all out to do so. Home team Arnett are smarting from a self-inflicted wound, courtesy of their being docked the one point they earned from their 2-2 draw with Molynes United, after fielding an ineligible player. They not only lost the one point, but had the game recorded as a 0-3 loss to Molynes United, a result which saw them fall to four points behind Portmore United and Humble Lion, respectively; slipped to a negative goal difference of minus one; and see sixth-place Dunbeholden narrow the gap to two points,

“We understand that tomorrow will be a tough, tough one, a dogfight which will take blood, sweat and tears,” Arnett Gardens coach, Alex Thomas, said yesterday.

“Our intention is to get the three points, but if we can’t get the three, we will take the one. As you can see, the top six is very tight and we cannot afford anymore slips,” he added.

David Galloway, manager of second-place Mount Pleasant FA, was similarly forceful in his look ahead to today’s game.

“Every game is considered important in this league, and this one is no different. With Arnett Gardens, things are always tough. They always give us a good fight and, in fact, the last time we met them, they defeated us 1-0 with a late strike,” recalled Galloway.

“Today,” he declared, “will be different.”

DIFFERENT MINDSET

“This time, we are going with a different mindset. We will not be beaten. We intend to come away from the Jungle with three points,” declared Galloway.

His squad, he said, is at full strength, with the likes of Kemar Beckford, Cardel Benbow, Kevaughn Isaacs, Jourdane Fletcher and company to call on.

“All is set for tomorrow. The team is in good spirits and everyone is ready to do what they have to do,” the confident Galloway concluded.

Arnett Gardens, while they will be without captain Tamar Edwards, will welcome the return of influential midfielder Paul Wilson.

“Tamar Edwards is out injured, but there are other players who can come in to fill the void. We have depth and quality, and Paul Wilson, who has been out for a while, returns, so that is a plus,” said Thomas, who will also have the likes of Kemal Malcolm and Fabian Reid available.

Today’s games

- 3:30 p.m.: Molynes United FC vs Dunbeholden – Constant Spring Stadium

- 3:30 p.m.: Tivoli Gardens FC vs Waterhouse – Edward Seaga Sports Complex

- 3:30 p.m.: UWI FC vs Cavalier – UWI Mona Bowl

- 8 p.m.: Arnett Gardens vs Mount Pleasant – Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex

Tomorrow’s game

- 8 p.m. Harbour View vs Vere United – Harbour View Stadium