Arnett hunt revenge against Tivoli

A clash between fierce rivals Tivoli Gardens and Arnett Gardens is always highly anticipated. When both teams run on to the Edward Seaga Complex playing field tomorrow, 3 p.m., another competitive football match is expected in the Red Stripe Premier League.

It doesn't take much to motivate these players located in proximity because of the history. This will be the second meeting of the teams this season. Tivoli drew first blood away at Anthony Spaulding Complex in the first round. They won 3-2.

Arnett are in third position, on 29 points, behind Montego Bay United (31) and Portmore (30). Tivoli Gardens, are ninth position.

"The pressure is on us to do better than we have done so far. We have been inconsistent," Christopher Bender, coach of Tivoli Gardens said at the RSPL weekly press conference last Thursday.

"Hopefully, we can do the same as in the first round by beating Arnett again. However, based on the team's training sessions, the team is focused and ready to play," Bender, who took over at the start of the season, added.

Tivoli will look to hot striker Junior Flemmings, on seven goals, former Reggae Boy Jermaine Johnson, Ranike Anderson and newly appointed captain, Andre Morgan, for victory.

Coach of reigning champions Arnett Gardens, Jerome Waite, said the team is not at the level he wanted, but is getting there.

"In the last two games, we scored five goals, so that is a positive. We have some good attacking players and also doing better in defence," Waite pointed out.

Waite is wary of the threats of Flemmings and Johnson as both players who hurt Arnett in their win in October.

"We have to keep those players quiet in the game," he said.

In another game of interest, newcomers UWI FC and Boys' Town will meet at Barbican Stadium. Both are locked on 22 points, so a win for either would be good.

Games on tomorrow

3 p.m. Boys' Town vs UWI FC at Barbican Stadium

3 p.m. Humble Lion FC vs Portmore United at Effortville Community Centre, Clarendon

5 p.m. FC Reno vs Rivoli United at Frome Complex, Westmoreland

3 p.m. Tivoli Gardens vs Arnett Gardens at Edward Seaga Stadium

5 p.m. Cavalier SC vs Waterhouse at Stadium East

Monday night game

8:40 p.m. Harbour View vs Montego Bay United at Harbour View Stadium