VASSEL Reynolds, the technical director of Humble Lion FC, says his team is at least five points adrift of where he would want them to be at this stage of the Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) football season.

After 19 games, the Clarendon-based outfit, which has failed to win any of its last four outings, is fourth in the standing with 29 points.

“I still feel we are in a good position, but based on our target we are still five or six points behind where we wanted to be at this stage,” Reynolds told the

Jamaica Observer during Thursday’s RSPL press conference at Red Stripe’s base on Spanish Town Road.

Humble Lion, who have never lifted the national title, are eight points behind leaders Montego Bay United and Portmore United. Both those teams are on 37 points, but they are separated by the St James-based team’s healthier goal difference.

Holders Arnett Gardens FC, who have won four games in a row, are third with 35 points.

The Humble Lion technical director suggested there is some amount of pressure after the team reached the semi-finals last season and only missed out on a final spot after barely losing to Arnett Gardens over two legs.

“I think there is pressure… I think the fact that we went to the semi-finals and missed out narrowly, and we maintained most of the players and have more experience, we figure it’s a good opportunity to go at least one step further,” he explained.

Reynolds said his players will have to be more consistent between now and the end of the preliminary phase of the competition.

“We are happy to be in the top four, but things are moving closer to the start of the third round and we really need to lift our tempo in terms of gathering more points. At this stage it’s time we start putting three points on the table game after game,” the tactician urged.

The regular season of the RSPL, which is split into three rounds, consists of 33 preliminary games. At the end of that phase, the top four teams will advance to the semi-finals.

Humble Lion’s next game is a home fixture against visitors Cavalier SC this afternoon.

— Sanjay Myers