Ryon Jones, Star Writer

Things are interestingly poised entering the final set of matches in the third round of the Digicel Premier League as three teams are battling for the final spot in the elite top six, which will guarantee life in the nation's highest league come next season.

Reno, Village United and Arnett Gardens are all locked on 40 points. Reno, however, currently occupy the coveted sixth position with a plus one goal difference, while seventh-place Village and eighth-place Arnett have minus four goal differences. Village (35 goals) by virtue of having scored 10 goals more than Arnett lie seventh.

Reno, though in pole position, have the toughest fixture of the three teams, as they journey to the Edward Seaga Complex to engage league leaders Tivoli Gardens (60 points). Tivoli, who are on a 10-game unbeaten streak, are not expected to be in a generous mood, as they are being closely pursued by second-place Boys' Town (55 points).

The last time the league leaders tasted defeat, however, was at the hands of Reno, by a 1-0 scoreline and coach of the Westmoreland-based team, Wendell Downswell is looking to take confidence from that result.

"The last time we played them at our home we won that game, so with that we have some level of confidence going into the game," Downswell stated.

an early goal

Reno will be missing their two top scorers, Craig Foster (11 goals) and Obrian Woodbine (six goals), but nevertheless Downswell is looking to his team to find an early goal.

"We will be very tight defensively, that will be first and foremost and at the same time try and get an early goal to try and put the pressure on them."

Village United's coach, Norman Foster, is not overly perturbed with overtaking Reno and grabbing sixth position, but is just looking to continue accumulating points.

"I am not worried about how Reno does at Tivoli, once I get this win from St Georges it can tell us automatically that we are almost there, in terms of securing our position in the premier league for next season," Foster said.

"So we are going all out for a win against St Georges," he added.

Both teams have come out on different ends of 1-0 margins against each other this season. They are also equally experiencing a good run of form, with Village having not lost in their last four outings, while St Georges have suffered only one defeat in their last nine games.

St Georges' recent showings have seen them move off the foot of the table up to 10th on 36 points.

Arnett's coach, Paul 'Tegat' Davis, is aware that his team capturing the sixth position is dependent on results in the other two games, but he wants his team to do their part and win their game against cellar dwellers Humble Lion (33 points).

"What we have to do is ensure that we win our game," Davis said.

"It is not going to be easy, but the guys are upbeat and they know the situation we are in right now, so they are going all out for the win," he added.

Sunday's games

Arnett Gardens vs Humble Lion

3:30 p.m., Anthony Spaulding Complex

Benfica vs Boys Town

3:30 p.m., Drax Hall

Portmore United vs Waterhouse

3:30 p.m., Ferdie Neita Park

Sporting Central Academy vs Harbour View

3:30 p.m., Brancourt

St Georges vs Village United

3:30 p.m., Lynch Park

Tivoli Gardens vs Reno

3:30 p.m., Edward Seaga Complex