Mid-season finalists to be decided in Western Confed Super League
MONTEGO BAY, St James — It will be win or go home for four teams with ambitions of qualifying for the mid-season finals of the Jamaica Football Federation Charley’s JB Rum Western Confederation Super League as the first round comes to an end today with five games.
Leaders Sandals Whitehouse on 24 points, Savannah SC on 23, Wadadah FC on 21 points, and Granville FC on 19, but who are to be awarded three more from an unplayed game against Village United, are the teams that are in contention.
The game at the UDC field between former champions Wadadah FC and Savannah SC could provide one of the qualifiers, as the winner of that game is almost certain to advance to the incentive game. However, wins for Sandals Whitehouse and Granville FC would see them advancing.
Sandals Whitehouse, who were within a point of securing their berth until they lost to Savannah SC last week, are home to Salt Marsh United, while Granville FC host Jericho Rangers at the Granville Community Centre.
Wadadah FC won the most recent meeting between both teams, a 2-0 margin in the second round last year, and have won their last four games coming into today’s encounter.
Savannah SC reignited their hopes on Thursday after beating Sandals Whitehouse in their rescheduled game, and this result would give them hope as they seek a win in Montego Bay for the first time this season.
Despite their loss, the second in three games, Sandals Whitehouse still have their fate in their own hands and a win over the inconsistent Salt Marsh at home would see them into the final.
Sandals Whitehouse have been the most consistent team in the league so far and despite the two losses, should be able to rebound, especially playing at home.
The Aaron Lawrence-coached team has scored the most goals in the league so far, 26, including nine in one game against Tomorrow’s People, just over a week ago.
Dervin Campbell and Ronniel Whyte have scored five times each, and along with Andre Vassell should lead the Sandals Whitehouse attack against Salt Marsh.
Granville FC should also win against the promoted Jericho Rangers and put themselves in a position to contest the mid-season final.
Granville FC have the best defensive record in the league so far with just three goals against, and Jericho could have problems getting through to goalkeeper Zahvian Hutchinson.
In other games today, Beaches Negril could continue to climb away from the relegation zone when they take on last-placed Violet Kickers at Long Bay Beach Park in Negril, and Holland United host Tomorrow’s People at Elleston Wakeland Centre.