The Cavalier-Phoenix, Rudolph Speid-Craig Butler rivalry takes on added interest when Chapelton Maroons host Cavalier at Turner’s Oval in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) this afternoon at 3:30.
The conflict between the two local football stalwarts is well documented and has been ongoing for a number of years.
This afternoon, Speid, the coach of Cavalier, and Chapelton’s technical director Butler will take the battle to the playing field, with sixth spot up for grabs for both clubs.
Cavalier hold sixth place with 45 points, two more than Arnett and Chapelton, who are separated by goal difference.
A win for Cavalier would keep them sixth; however, defeat for the defending champions will see them being overtaken by Chapelton and possibly Arnett, if they win as well.
Cavalier have beaten Chapelton twice this season; nevertheless, Butler believes his team have grown and have more strength in depth than when they met early this season.
Although he noted that they will be facing the ‘enemy’, he insists his focus is set on the league more than on Cavalier.
“We are not really concerned about Cavalier. We are concerned about the league, developing players and getting players transitioning. So we are doing our job.
“We are happy for this game. It’s never going to be a game that is sporting. We will be playing against the enemy. We recognised that.
“And it’s good that we have seen a change in the mindset of the referees. They are no longer intimidated by position. We have no conflict of interest. So we will be in a position to go out and give our best on the pitch,” he commented.
Cavalier have four losses and one win in their last five; however, assistant coach David Laylor surmised that rebuilding teams usually face these challenges.
Nevertheless, he expects his team to give a good account in this anticipated contest.
“When you are rebuilding, you can expect a lot of drawbacks. So for me, you must be contesting, even in a rebuilding stage, to be in the top six.
“For me it’s a good look that these new youngsters we have are doing well. It’s not a position you love to be in, but we are rebuilding with youngsters, growing and developing these players to see how to get the most out them and you should see some good football,” he stated.
The game between Racing United and Waterhouse FC at Ferdi Neita Park should be an enticing affair. Racing will look to prevent further slippage down the table.
Racing (55) have fallen five points behind second-place Mount Pleasant in third, and are only three ahead of Portmore.
Portmore might still be behind Racing, on goal difference, even if they win, but would get a big psychological boost from beating their rivals and joining them on points.
Racing have only lost one of 16 games at home, while Waterhouse have done exceptionally well away from home under coach Javier Ainstien, who expects another high-quality performance.
“In the beginning playing at home, our fans can be a little pressure for us, but by this time the team is competing good at home and on the road. We are defending well and all the players are committed.
“So we are improving at home and playing away, we are a good team,” he said.
Despite Racing’s strong home form, many of those games ended in drawn results, but coach Anthony Patrick said they need three points from this match to keep their top-two aspirations alive.
“It’s unfortunate we drew so many games, and when you look at the run of play in those game, you could easily say we fell short by not scoring.
“It’s the nature of the game but we are in a good position. We know we want to be in the first three and now we know what we have coming up against on Sunday.
“We are really eyeing that position and pulling out all the stops. So come Sunday this game is very important for us to be in the top two.”
Today’s Games
Harbour View vs Treasure Beach @Compund
Racing vs Waterhouse @Ferdi Neita Park
Dunbeholden vs Arnett @Dunbeholden Sports Complex
Chapelton vs Cavalier @Turner’s Oval
MoBay vs Spanish Town Police @Jarrett Park
Molynes vs Portmore @Constant Spring Sports Complex
Tivoli vs Mount Pleasant @Edward Seaga Sports Complex
All games begin at 3:30 p.m.
