Meadhaven closing in on NPL spot
published:
Sunday | May 25, 2008
Undefeated meadhaven can all but assure their place in the National Premier League (NPL) next season with a victory over York of St Thomas in their NPL play-off game today at Constant Spring.
Unbeaten on six points from two games, the KSAFA side is riding high and nine points from three games would virtually gift them one of the places up for grabs as their rivals are yet to make an impression in the play-offs.
On Wednesday, they beat then co-leaders Rivoli, of St Catherine 2-1, while York broke their duck with an away 1-0 triumph over struggling Wadadah.
Rivoli, who are struggling to live up to the post-season hype as NPL qualification favourites, face bottom-placed Wadadah in a must-win encounter in the northern capital.
Meadhaven twice benefitted from goalkeeping errors at Rivoli on Wednesday to rally from a goal down against their more experienced rivals, who played in the Premiership three seasons ago.
flooded
Meanwhile,York, who were flooded 4-1 at home by Rivoli in their opening match, have come into their own, beating Wadadah on the road to revive their chances.
Meadhaven were 2-1 winners over Wadadah at Constant Spring but face a more agile team in York, whose confidence will be high after their road win on Wednesday.
With only two teams advancing from the play-offs, York cannot afford a loss in the final game of the first round as they share three points with Rivoli.
Meadhaven, a flank-playing team, which relies heavily on wide midfielders Rohan Williams and Dwayne Smith, will be tough to beat at home.
York will have to mark the roaming wingers tightly while keeping an eye on forwards Keammar Daley and Leighton Neita.
defence suspect
However, the Kingstonians' defence remains suspect, conceding first-half goals in both victories.
York, who should have beaten Wadadah by a wider margin, should not be discounted against Meadhaven, who got two lucky breaks against Rivoli on Wednesday, one goal from a direct corner and another off a cross misread by goalkeeper Shannon Bartley.
In Montego Bay, Wadadah have it all to play for against Rivoli, who must be fancied, despite taking the long trip from Spanish Town.
Forwards Devon Hodges, Patrick Beech and Derrick Planter are Premier League veterans, who should prove too good for Wadadah.
