MBU, Reno hunt Flow Champions Cup

Western Bureau:

When Montego Bay United meet Reno FC this afternoon at 5 o'clock in the Flow Champions Cup KO final at the Montego Bay Sports Complex, it will be a clash of two of western Jamaica's most successful clubs.

It will also pit two coaches in their first major final since taking hold of the reins at their respective clubs.

Reno's coach, Patrick Graham, told The Sunday Gleaner that he is thrilled to be in the final and is looking for a first major piece of silverware since they last lifted the Premier League title in 1995 and the JFF Champions Cup in 1996.

"We are very happy to be in the final, but the real issue is that we need to win it. We want to use this as a major stepping stone to bigger things," he said.

"It's a final and Montego Bay United have proven to be a very tough team, so we will need to be at our best against them. Confidence is high and we are just ready and waiting for kick-off," Graham added.

could be a good match

If the final is anything like the two semi-finals in which Reno prevailed 9-8 in that dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Harbour View, and MBU's 6-5 victory also from the spot over Portmore United, then it could be a very good match.

But MBU will want to knock Reno out from regulation play and avoid another drama-filled penalty shoot-out.

"They have a good team and they play compact. We, however, have the experience of playing in a big final," said MBU head coach Carlos Garcia.

"There are a number of players in the team who can change the game, and I hope they do so this evening," Garcia said.

Reno will be buoyed by the return of top striker Craig Foster, who won a Caribbean Cup medal as part of the winning Reggae Boyz squad.

"He is a proven goalscorer for us and he is in fine form, although he never saw any action for the Reggae Boyz, but he is still fit and will lead our attack," Graham said. "This could be a real classic."

For MBU speedy winger Alan Ottey and Omar Gordon are two of their impact starters and will prove a handful for the Reno defence, which will be marshalled by team captain Alburn Facey.