Tivoli looking to end winless run

Tivoli Gardens will be looking to get back to winning ways when they host leaders Portmore United in a Red Stripe Premier League mid-week this afternoon at 3 o'clock.

The west Kingston-based club has not won in three outings, and coach Omar Edwards says his players appear to have lost their shooting boots, but he is pleased with the chances they are creating and expects a positive result this afternoon.

"We have gone three games without a win, that doesn't mean we are playing badly. We just have to improve the offensive aspect of our game, as we have been creating numerous chances but have failed to capitalise," he said.

"Playing Portmore at home, we are hoping to convert the chances we have been creating over the many games. We know Portmore is a very organised team, it's a team that likes to keep possession. In addition they have players who will capitalise if they get an opportunity.

So defensively, we have to be solid and in midfield. We have to play compact, and when we create opportunities we have to capitalise on them," he said.

 

Portmore slump

 

Portmore have tasted defeat only twice in 20 games, but recently slumped to two losses in four games, but coach Shavar Thomas said there was no cause for concern and that they will be hunting maximum points today.

"There are no worries. I don't think we have had any major dip in form or having a crisis situation.

We had a couple injuries and dropped a few points in a few games, but we are looking forward to the next game," he said.

However, he anticipates that the Edward Seaga Complex will be a very tough place to travel to and a win. "We know it's a tough place to play, so we are looking to stay strong and get three points."

He also admitted the team will miss national players Ricardo Morris, Malique Foster, Javon East and Shaven-Sean Paul, but have shown in the past they have adequate replacements.

"Those guys are very instrumental in our team. But there have been a number of games those players didn't play and we used other people and were successful," he added.

Portmore sit atop the standings with 50 points. Tivoli are currently fourth on the points table with 37 points, one behind Cavalier and seven adrift of Arnett Gardens in second.

 

Today's games

 

3 p.m: Tivoli Gardens vs Portmore - Edward Seaga Complex

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

3 p.m: Humble Lion vs Reno - Effortville

 

Tomorrow's games

 

3 p.m: Sandals South Coast vs Harbour View - STETHS

5 p.m: Cavalier vs Montego Bay United - Stadium East