After nine months of fierce competition, the 2012-2013 Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) rolls to a halt with the playing of a full slate of matches today.

It is outdated news that Harbour View FC have replaced Portmore United at the zenith of local club football.

At the other end of the table, however, there remains a heated and intriguing contest between two teams — Sporting Central Academy and Highgate United— fighting to avoid the scourge of demotion to the lower division.

The youthful Sporting Central, currently in 10th place on 43 points, have the edge and face the midtable-positioned Montego Bay United (53 points) in a crucial clash at the Catherine Hall Complex in St James, starting at 3:30 pm.

Sporting Central need only a win to ensure that 11th-placed Highgate United (41 points) and the already-doomed Savannah SC (23 points) are the two outfits relegated this season.

The St Mary-located Highgate United, who welcome eighth-placed Cavalier SC (49 points) to the Drax Hall Sports Complex in St Ann at 3:30 pm, need to win and hope that Sporting Central lose.

Given its five-goal advantage in goal difference on Highgate United, the Sporting Central unit could also draw with Montego Bay and remain in the RSPL next season even if the St Mary team wins.

In a 6:30 pm kickoff, the 2011-2012 winners Portmore, in fourth place on 57 points, travel to the Compound to battle the newly crowned, runaway champions Harbour View (72 points).

At the Edward Seaga Complex, old rivals Tivoli Gardens FC (50 points) and Boys’ Town FC (54 points) meet at 5:00 pm.

In a 3:30 clash at the Anthony Spaulding Complex, third-placed Arnett Gardens (58 points) will welcome second-placed Waterhouse FC (62 points).

Today’s schedule

3:30 pm Arnett Gardens FC vs Waterhouse FC @ Anthony Spaulding Complex

3:30 pm Montego Bay United FC vs Sporting Central FC @ Catherine Hall Complex

3:30 pm Highgate United FC vs Cavalier SC @ Drax Hall Sports Complex

3:30 pm Humble Lion FC vs Savannah SC @ Effortville Community Centre

5:00 pm Tivoli Gardens FC vs Boys’ Town FC @ Edward Seaga Complex

6:30 pm Harbour View FC vs Portmore United FC @ Harbour View Stadium