Harbour View's Xavian Virgo goes into a challenge with Portmore's Stephen Williams. - File

RSPL race for top four spot heats up

MARC STAMP, STAR Sports

The top four clubs will look to consolidate their semi-final spots when the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) round 28 gets under way, with five games tomorrow. At the other end, some teams will be battling to stave off relegation.

In the race for spots in the semi-finals and fight for the title, Waterhouse took over pole position two days ago when they whipped relegation-bound August Town 3-0 at UWI Bowl in Mona. Waterhouse are on top with 46 points, closely followed by Montego Bay United (45), Harbour View (44) and Arnett Gardens (39) in the top four.

Defending champions Harbour View, will look to get back to winning ways when they host Portmore United at the Harbour View Stadium, starting at 6:30 p.m. Harbour View are coming off a 1-1 draw against Arnett Gardens on Thursday night at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, following the resignation of Harold Thomas the previous day.

Championship

Having won only once in the last 10 RSPL games, and added to that elimination from the Caribbean Football Union Club Championship, Andrew 'Bowa' Hines has been elevated to interim head coach.

Although not in any clear danger of not making the last four, Harbour View will certainly hope to win against Portmore and move closer to cementing a spot.

On the other hand, Portmore United will come for at least a point playing away from home, in order to stay clear of the relegation zone and move up the 12-team standings. Portmore are in ninth position on 32 points.

Attack

"For us, the important thing is to avoid relegation and every point is vital. We have to focus on keeping our shape against a strong Harbour View attack," coach of Portmore United, Calvin Lewis told STAR Sports, yesterday.

Harbour View's hope of a home victory rests on the competition's joint leading goalscorers, Brian 'Rambo' Brown, McKauley Tulloch, Keith Kelly, John-Ross Edwards and Christopher Harvey.

While, Portmore will look to counter with Damion Williams, Adoah Nickle, Suella McCalla, Cleon Pryce, Stephen Williams, Ricardo Morris and Ewan Grandison. In another game of interest, Tivoli Gardens will host Boys' Town at the Edward Seaga Stadium, starting at 4 p.m.

TOMORROW'S GAMES

Montego Bay United vs Sporting Central at Wes Pow Park in St James starting at 3:30 p.m.

Tivoli Gardens vs Boys' Town at Edward Seaga Stadium at 4 p.m.

Cavalier SC vs August Town at Stadium East at 4:30 p.m.

Arnett Gardens vs Humble Lion at Anthony Spaulding Complex at 6 p.m.

Harbour View vs Portmore United at Harbour View Stadium at 6:30 p.m.

MONDAY NIGHT'S GAME

Waterhouse vs Rivoli United at Waterhouse Stadium at 8:30 p.m.