AFTER encouraging second-place finishes in the two previous seasons of the top-tier club competition, Boys' Town FC were chomping at the bit for yesteday's start of the new campaign.

According to technical director Andrew Price, the Collie Smith Drive club enjoyed good pre-season preparation, despite prevailing financial hardships. He said with a few minor tweaks they could again challenge for the top spot in the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL).

Price highlighted the loan acquisition of National Under-23 attacker Romeo Parkes from Portland-based St George's Sports Club, who was on loan to Tivoli Gardens last season, as a potential solution to their profligacy in front of goal.

"The preparation has been good. I'm optimistic about the season. Though not easy, we have kept the nucleus of the team and we also had some additions. I think our most notable addition is Romeo Parkes who is on a season-long loan from St George's.

"He will definitely help our forward line and give it some added firepower. He is a proven goalscorer in the Premier League for some years so we expect him to step forward," Price told the Jamaica Observer on Friday.

In St George's SC's short spell in the league, Parkes made a name for himself but was loaned to Tivoli last year following the Portland side's relegation.

The 21-year-old continued his rich form at the West Kingston club in the 2011-12 season and Price now hopes his talented team can benefit from the attacking boost and lead the charge to dethrone title-holders Portmore United.

"With people like Rafiek Thomas, Anthony Bennett and Marvin Morgan I believe we have some punch up front. One of the problems we have had for quite a while is converting (of our goal scoring chances).

"It is something that we continue to work on in training and it's something that I would stress that coaches across the island pay attention to. We have to score more of our chances if we want to win the title.

"It's a phenomenon that is problem in Jamaica. The conversion rate at various levels of football from grassroots to senior level is not good. We have to encourage our players to be more clinical in front of goal," said the Boys' Town technical director.