Clash of unbeatens has sentimental hint
the last two unbeaten teams in the Coca-Cola First Division.
Dandy Town, though they failed to advance past the round-robin phase of the Martonmere Cup, are the only team in the league with a perfect record from three matches. But coach Mark Trott says it is too early to be thinking about winning the title, though the good start has generated a lot of enthusiasm at the club.
"Because of the good start we had 26 guys out training last night,'' the coach revealed. "I guess we have a bit of depth with Walter (Musson) on the bench for the last two matches and then a player like Kurt Martin not able to get in the squad.
"Competition is keen and I have a difficult time every time I go to pick the team.'' Trott added he is not surprised at the good start Vasco have had in their first season back in the First Division, winning two of their three matches.
"Vasco have Danny Seymour and he's a very good coach and is respected. He will always have his teams respected. I had the pleasure of being coached by him when he was coach of the West All-Stars and he has the ability to get the best out of his players.'' Town's perfect start in the league has enabled them to enjoy a one-point lead at the top, which a lead that could be stretched to three points with a win over Vasco.
"We know it's going to be diffucult being in first place, whether it's three games into the season or 15 games,'' Trott explained. "Our motto for the league is to take one game at a time and each opponent as they come.'' Vasco have seven former Dandy Town players on their books -- Voorhees Astwood, Larance Durham, Ricky Mallory, Scott Morton, Dennis Robinson, Earl Richardson and Burton Bruce -- so this match will hold some sentimental importance.
"For my players, it's a thing of pride,'' said Trott. "They really want to perform well on Sunday.'' Because of tonight's clash between PHC and Boulevard (9.00), which will be preceded by the Junior Knockout semifinal between PHC and North Village (6.30), just four First Division matches are scheduled for tomorrow.
Third-placed North Village are at home to mid-table St. George's at Bernard Park. Again the east-enders are having difficulty scoring goals, having netted just once in three outings while conceding just two goals, which is also one of the best defensive records.
Village missed captain Elliott Jennings in midweek when they were beaten in the semifinals of the Martonmere Cup by Boulevard and he could be doubtful again tomorrow because of a groin strain.
Village are one of three teams on four points, all looking to at least stay within striking distance of the leaders.
The two remaining matches see three teams chasing their first league win of the season, as Southampton Rangers entertain Devonshire Colts at Southampton Oval and St. David's host champions Somerset at St. David's.
Rangers, with one point from three outings, have also yet to score their first goal while the Islanders are hoping to improve their defence against a Somerset team who will be looking to rebound from a Martonmere Cup loss to Colts.
St. David's have conceded nine goals already and unless their defensive record improves they could be certainties for relegation.
In the Second Division, leaders Wolves are away to fourth-placed Paget at Southampton Oval while Devonshire Cougars, second on goal difference but with a game in hand, are at home to Social Club.
The other matches see Prospect playing Port Royal at Police field and Somerset Eagles taking on Hamilton Parish at White Hill field. All games start at 1.00.
Also scheduled for tomorrow is the other Junior Knockout semifinal between Somerset and Devonshire Colts at St. David's at 12.30 p.m.
BACK IN TOWN -- Ricky Mallory, left, and Voorhees Astwood, at right during World Cup duty for Bermuda last year, will have plenty to prove when they lead Vasco against league leaders Dandy Town at St. John's field on Sunday.