Special day for TG - West Kingston club aiming to celebrate return to Seaga Complex with win over Sandals

Former champions Tivoli Gardens will kick a competitive ball for the first time this season in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) at their home ground, Edward Seaga Sports Complex, today when they host Sandals South Coast, and they intend to make it special.

"We are playing at home tomorrow (today) for the first time this season because we got our football field, and we want to maximise the opportunity," coach Omar Edwards said ahead of today's game against the promoted team.

"We are looking for a positive performance and to give the home supporters a gift," Edwards added.

The game comes at a good time for the home team as they are on a good run, having earned seven points from a possible nine in their last three games, including successive 1-0 wins over Harbour View and Cavalier, respectively. Though the talismanic Jermaine 'Teddy' Johnson is among the injured, Edwards believes that his charges still have enough weapons to get the better of the opponents.

"Yes, Johnson has an injury, Elton Thompson just resumed training, and Howard Morris, our inspirational little midfielder, is injured as well, but players such as Junior McGregor, Tevin Shaw, Sean Colemaan, and Shavar Campbell can control the midfield for us," said Edwards.

But while acknowledging the strength of his fifth-place team, Edwards was unwilling to dismiss the challenge of Sandals South Coast.

"We have observed the opposition, and they showed that they are not a bad team. We will not take them for granted. We will approach this game in a very professional manner," the former Boys' Town man said.

Aaron Lawrence of Sandals South Coast said that the journey has been rough so far for his team but that they would continue to press ahead.

TOUGH LEAGUE

"The Premier League is tough, and every game you play will be tough. We need to start scoring more goals and to start winning some games, and maybe we can start tomorrow (today)," the former club and country standout as goalkeeper said.

In their last game, Sandals South Coast were soundly beaten by Montego Bay United after creditable performances against Harbour View and fellow promoted team Cavalier. That loss, according to Lawrence, was due to lack of concentration.

"The goals will come from the midfield and the forwards. We have been working tirelessly at creating chances and improving our concentration ahead of this game and we expect that to bear fruit," a very positive Lawrence said. He added: "All our players will have to get it right. All our players have a job to do and we expect them to do it."

At Barbican, the battling Boys' Town will be aiming to stop the train of Portmore United, who have been steamrollering their opposition thus far, while Reno will be looking to cement their position as the dominant team in western Jamaica when they host Montego Bay United at Frome.

Humble Lion were humbled last week by Portmore United and will be seeking to elevate themselves with a victory over the visiting Harbour View, while UWIFC will entertain defending champions Arnett Gardens in what must be the most anticipated of the five games scheduled for today.

Today's games

- Boys' Town vs Portmore United - Barbican Complex

- Reno vs Montego Bay United - Frome Complex

- Humble Lion FC vs Harbour View - Effortville Community Centre

- Tivoli Gardens vs Sandals South Coast - Edwards Seaga Complex

- UWI FC vs Arnett Gardens - UWI Mona, Bowl

All matches kick off at 3 p.m.

Tomorrow's game

- 8:35 p.m.: Waterhouse vs Cavalier - Drewsland Stadium