Two derby clashes will highlight tonight’s Digicel Premier League fixtures at the National Stadium.
Mackeson Brittons Hill will continue their long-time duel with Claytons Kola Tonic Notre Dame at 6 p.m., while the feature match will bring together Christ Church giants Direct TV Paradise and Pride of Gall Hill.
Brittons Hill currently sit in third position with a couple of games in hand and a victory in each of those games can put the pressure on current leaders Barbados Defence Force Sports Programme.
The Valery boys will be looking to pile that pressure on from tonight against their long-time nemesis from down the hill. Much will be expected of their forward line if they are to gather maximum points from this clash.
Mustafa Haqq is expected to spearhead the Brittons Hill attack along with attacking midfielders Zakidyah Samuels and Darnell Murray, who has been the key cog in their wheel of late. There is also the threat of the skilful Curtis Odle who is capable of changing a game on his own if his temperament does not distract him.
John “Nobby” Parris will be the man leading the charge to stop the Brittons Hill attack. His experience will be vital, along with his leadership to aid fellow defenders Kimoi Seale, Aaron Leacock and Jabbary Nicholls.
Last game Notre Dame welcomed back forward Dwayne Mars who was away through injury and his presence is always a menace for any defensive line.
Paradise will need to be more organised and disciplined than they were during their midweek game versus Pinelands, if they are to stand a chance against their fellow Southerners.
Gall Hill narrowly lost their last game, a result which pushed them further away from attaining their only realistic trophy for the 2014 season. Therefore, Paradise can possibly feel the backlash and be in for a tough 90 minutes.
Paradise first face the problem of nominating a goalkeeper as first choice Jason Boxhill was absent last game, reportedly due to injury and then reserve goalkeeper Rishi Panjwani suffered what seemed like an injury to his arm or shoulder and required help from the medical personnel.
Trevor “Taz” Mayers has performed custodial duties before and is a worthy candidate. However, this weakens their midfield area, which already is without the expertise and experience of Kent Hall.
Kenny Sealy will need to motivate his youthful trio of Jomo Harris, Rakim Lashley and Jason Worme, if he is to stand any chance against Gall Hill’s combative midfield, which is made up of Renaldo Marquez, Rico “Sas” Baptiste, Bryan Bynoe and Troy Speede.
Shaquille “Zuka” Boyce has gotten into the swing of things finally and his partnership with Jabarry “Papi” Chandler can prove troublesome, especially if the woeful defending of Paradise continues.
The evening kicks off with two teams on different ends of form, however, as Pinelands, fresh off a stylish 5-0 win over Paradise, and Magnum Tonic Wine Dayrells Road, who were on the wrong end of a 7-0 in their last game versus Brittons Hill, meet.
