Portmore promises Lynk Cup quality despite changes
Published:Wednesday | April 12, 2023 | 1:13 AMDaniel Wheeler/Staff Reporter
THE LONG-TERM focus for Portmore United may be the sixth and final playoff spot in the Jamaica Premier League, but head coach Phlllip Williams is still determined to put on a strong display in their Lynk Cup quarterfinal first-leg clash with Molynes United this evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex.
Portmore United got past Lime Hall Academy and Arnett Gardens on their road to the quarterfinals without a dip in their league form, which has seen them go on a seven-game unbeaten streak and vault into the final playoff place with four matches to go in the regular season.
While keeping his eye on the prize in the league, Williams said Portmore are determined to deliver a strong performance for the fans despite changes to be expected for the squad.
“The main focus is on the Premier League, and all our effort is placed into securing a top-six spot. But the mindset is to go out there and put on a good show for the spectators,” Williams told The Gleaner.
Williams said that their youth will be tested in this fixture with some of the regular starters getting a reprieve for the final games of the regular season. but he insists that the changes will not affect the quality that will be on display
“You may see some amount of rotation in the squad. We will be giving some youngsters some well-needed playing time and resting some of our regulars as we aim to keep our legs fresh for our top-six push. However, the quality of the squad will not be compromised,” Williams said.
Meanwhile, Molynes United head coach Alex Thomas said their improvements in attack in the league will be an asset to take with them into their knockout tie but are cognisant that they will have to approach their clash differently from their only meeting so far this season, a 1-1 draw in the league in February
“We are getting goals from all areas on our team, and that is a plus. But defensively as a team, we have to set up better,” Thomas said.
The fixture is the second game of a double header that sees Tivoli Gardens face Dunbeholden at 4:00 p.m. Tivoli got past Faulkland in their round-of-16 game while Dunbeholden beat Treasure Beach in extra time to get to the quarterfinals.