TOLL GATE, Clarendon — Coach Nigel Stewart does not necessarily think trying to instil an appreciation for defensive discipline at Sporting Central Academy (SCA) will disrupt their normal passing game.

After seven games Sporting are the Red Stripe Premier League's best defensive team, having conceded a mere three goals.

That statistic represents a vast improvement for the south-west Clarendon side which let in no fewer than seven goals at this same stage last season.

"You have to give up something to get something," Stewart said on Sunday. "(However) if you think we are not looking that good passing (at the moment) but look good defending, that's not really a bad thing. It's a process and we are working (to get that blend)."

In a previous interview, captain Marlon Allen admitted that adding a new dimension to their customary style of free-flowing football is "new to us", but said they are keen to keep as many clean sheets as possible this season.

"We will always be a passing team because that's how the players were brought up, but our aim is to win the league, so if that means putting more emphasis on defence we just have to do it," added Allen.

He also praised Stewart's influence on the team's improved defensive shape, noting: "Coach 'Lenks' is a man who doesn't like to see the ball playing around at the back foolishly. He'd rather we play it around in midfield going forward."