Relegation battle heats up with western derby

Sunday's western derby clash between cellar-dwellers Montego Bay United (MBU) and FC Reno at the Frome Sports Complex will certainly be one of the most crucial Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) fixtures of the weekend as the relegation battle continues for both teams.

Both teams will be in search of maximum points as MBU, who occupy 11th place on the 12-team table, are just one point above their counterparts. A win for either could also see them draw level on points with Harbour View should they lose their game against Tivoli Gardens.

MBU are riding high on confidence since the appointment of Brazilian coach Luciano Traina Gama just over two weeks ago. Since then, they have picked up five points from three games, including last Sunday's win over a high-flying Cavaliers SC.

MBU's general manager, Sandra Christie, who believes that a positive attitude will see them out of the relegation dog-fight, said that they are determined to stay afloat in the RSPL and will be going to Frome to pick up maximum points.

"We are determined to win. We are determined to put our best efforts forward, not to concede, not to lose, and certainly not to draw, but to win. That is the mood in the camp - to rise above all challenges," Christie said.

OUR WEAKNESS

"I think this season, rounds one and two would have been considered our weakest since for all the seasons that have gone. It had a lot to do with the players that we had or coaches. However, we have to now rise above that and not look back but towards the positive turns that have come about. Not only since we have changed coach, but the whole view of the team is to keep our heads and standards up," she added.

In the first and second rounds this season, both teams played out 0-0 and 1-1 draws, respectively. With the recent confidence of MBU, the Westmoreland-based team, who have only registered one win (in 2017) in their last 11 games, will have a mountain to climb. Reno have also lost badly all of their last four home games.