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Dandy Town preparing to go top of Premier Division

Dandy Town can take over top spot in the Premier Division with victory against Wolves at Goose Gosling Field tomorrow (File photograph by Akil Simmons)

Dandy Town will be looking to capitalise on the opportunity to replace idle leaders North Village at the top of the Premier Division standings when the second half of the league campaign kicks off this weekend.

Village top the standings by two points over Town heading into the business end of the season but can leapfrog the leaders at the summit with victory over Wolves at Goose Gosling Field on Sunday, as Village’s game with Young Men’s Social Club has been postponed.

Despite Wolves’ lowly position in the standings, Town coach Kyle Lightbourne is not taking the opposition for granted.

“We’re playing against a team that’s been picking up points here and there,” Lightbourne told The Royal Gazette.

“They are at the bottom but can be a dangerous team if you keep them hanging around.”

Town are the most in-form team on the island and have not lost a match since their 1-0 defeat to Village on October 6 and Lightbourne is keen to see his side maintain their impressive unbeaten streak.

“We want to start the second half of the season on a good foot,” Lightbourne said.

“I think one of the strong points for us now is that we have some youth back and we just have to look at the players that have been playing over the Christmas period.

“We may need to just ease one or two out but we still have a strong squad to pick from. We might bring some fresh legs in because this is going to be a different type of game, so we will see how that goes.

“‘It’s just about managing it right and the balance now is to keep everyone happy and keeping the momentum going.”

Town are on a high heading into the clash after dethroning champions PHC in the Friendship Trophy final on New Year’s Day.

“I just look at the supporters and see the joy and delight that’s on their face and the players are playing for the badge right now,” Lightbourne said.

“They’re fighting for it, they’re working hard, doing all the things. If we don’t play well we’re still difficult to play against and if we’re playing well we win the games. Our last three games we’ve been in battles and we’ve come out on the other end.

“We’ve played football in spurts, sort of in control of the game but not fully, and you are going to have moments like that.”

Wolves come into the clash anchored at the bottom of the standings, four points adrift of safety and in desperate need of points to steer clear of the relegation zone.

PHC will also be looking to close the gap on Village when they host Paget Lions at PHC Field on Sunday (3pm). Zebras trail the leaders by three points, while sixth-place Paget will look to distance themselves from the drop zone.

Ninth-place Hamilton Parish will be hoping for a favourable result when they host fourth-place Devonshire Colts at Wellington Oval on Sunday (3pm).

The Premier Division kicks off today with mid-table St George’s Colts hosting seventh-place Devonshire Cougars at Wellington Oval (3pm).

Sunday’s First Division fixtures see newly crowned Shield champions Boulevard taking on Somerset Eagles at White Hill Field, St David’s hosting Robin Hood at Lord’s, while Somerset Trojans are at home to Southampton Rangers at Somerset Cricket Club. All matches kick off at 12.30pm. The fixture between league leaders X-Roads and Vasco has been rescheduled for March 9.

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Published January 04, 2025 at 7:59 am (Updated January 04, 2025 at 8:03 am)

Dandy Town preparing to go top of Premier Division

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