FORMER champions Excelsior High will try to put an end to Lennon High’s stranglehold on the ISSA/Locker Room Schoolgirl football title when they meet this afternoon in a repeat of last season’s final at the Spanish Town Prison Oval at 3:00.

Three-time title holders and former queens of the competition, Excelsior will try to stop the Clarendon-based favourites Lennon girls from gaining their fourth successive lien on the trophy.

Excelsior won three back-to-back titles, from 2005-2008, but have since played second fiddle to Lennon, who have copped top honours and also defeated them in two of the last three schoolgirl finals.

Excelsior’s coach Xavier Gilbert concedes that his team is the underdog for the match, but believes they are a solid unit with a good team spirit. “We are not as strong as we were last year, but what we have is an excellent unit that works for each other; so individually, we might not be as strong, but we have good team work,” he reiterated.

“Man to man, they are also better than us, but it is who execute on the day… we will try and nullify their passing game as much as possible and see if things go in our favour,” Gilbert added.

The bulk of Excelsior’s goals this season have come from the boot of Nicole Broderick. However, the National Youth player is expected to get good support from Ashley Ramsey, Shanel Spence, Olivia Coates, Kaydian Williams, and goalkeeper Shantel Graham.

Meanwhile, Lennon’s coach Merron Gordon says his team’s motivation is to break Excelsior’s three-in-a-row title record and set a new mark. However, he admits that Excelsior are always difficult opponents and it will be tough trying to get the better of them.

“Last year, we played them and the game finished close because we didn’t take our chances, so we have to take our chances if we want to win,” he said.

“… It’s going to come down to any team that really wants it and I know the girls want it, so I expect them to come out and work hard for it,” he added.

The inclusion of National Under-20 and former St Hugh’s midfielder Nugene Nugent has also given the champions a massive boost this season.

Nugent, along with Shanise Bowen, has been responsible for most of the goals this campaign, but they have got excellent support from Rushana Palache, Chevelle Lopez and Joy Douglas.

The final will be preceded by the third-place play-off between Black River High and Old Harbour High at 1:00 pm.