Arnett, Portmore in quarter-final battle

Portmore United had the upper hand over Arnett Gardens in the regular season of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) with a win and a draw, however, Arnett's coach Xavier Gilbert has seen enough in those games to be convinced that they can get one over their fierce rivals in today's first-leg quarter-final at Sabina Park at 7:30 p.m.

Gilbert said Arnett must be more consistent in their play and take their chances.

"We are mindful of what Portmore will bring to us. We played them over two games and have not defeated them yet, but there were periods of the games we dominated and created opportunities. If we can execute during those periods or be more consistent over the game, we can turn the tides on them," he said.

He knows, however, the magnitude of the task before them, and surmised that they must be on their A-game to overcome their nemesis.

"We want to get past this Portmore team, but it will be tough. We anticipate that. If we come out and execute as best as we can, we should get by them, but it will not be easy," Gilbert contends.

OBJECTIVES

He added: "We achieved some of the objectives we set out over the couple of days (in training). There are some things we still must tighten up on. We focused our last couple training sessions around those things, so, hopefully, we can come out and execute."

Portmore's coach Philip Williams is aware of the danger the 'Junglists' present and wants to control the game.

"It is more of the same with Arnett. They are a good team and based on their style of play, the pace at which they play and with momentum they can be very dangerous, so it's a matter of controlling the game from minute one in terms of the pace and how it is played.

"In terms of the areas that have taken us here, we are strong defensively, and we are looking for that to continue, and on the offensive end, we have been scoring some goals.

"That dried up in the latter stage, but, hopefully, the unit can deliver in the playoffs. If all the units click, especially up front, we should do good," he said.

INJURIES

He added that although they have to be managing and rotating players because of injuries, they will put out the strongest team possible to get the advantage from today's game.

"It has been a long season, and we still have some injury worries, but that is nothing new, for us. We are looking to put the best team out there and see if we can achieve the objectives we set at the start of the season.

"It is a tie played over two legs and we are looking to keep it as close as possible if it does not go our way, but to have the advantage after the first leg would be great."

In the other quarter-final at 5 p.m. at the same venue, Tivoli Gardens face Waterhouse.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com