Hornets gunning for double over fellow title contenders Devonshire Colts
Premier Division leaders Dandy Town will attempt to complete the double over visiting Devonshire Colts in a top of the table clash at White Hill Field tomorrow.
Hornets won the first league encounter between the sides 3-1 last October and are now hoping that lightning strikes twice as they attempt to complete the sweep and make further inroads towards a first league title in four seasons.
Town coach Jarreau Hayward said his team will have to be “at our best” if they are to come away with the desired result.
“Every game is a big game and a final for Dandy Town, and we are looking forward to the challenge,” he told The Royal Gazette.
“Devonshire Colts are a very athletic team, and Ray Jones [Colts coach] has a very effective system in place that suits the quality of his players. To get a result, we will have to be at our best.
“In addition, we at Dandy Town want to send our sincerest condolences to the Devonshire Colts family on the passing of their stalwart, James 'Jimi' Tweed. Celebrating our club legends is important and we know they will be extra motivated. It should be a good game.”
Only one point separates Hornets, who have not conceded in their last four league and cup outings, at the summit, from second- and third-placed PHC Zebras and Colts, in a close title race that promises to go down to the wire.
Colts, who have a game in hand over Town and Zebras, also have momentum having gone unbeaten in their previous three league matches, and likewise will be high on confidence after their victory over champions North Village last time out to complete a double of their own.
Colts coach Jones hopes his team can come away with the desired result and anticipates a tough outing against their hosts.
“We know the game will be difficult as Town has had a great season so far. They have just come off defending the Friendship Trophy and had an excellent start to second half of the season, so hopefully we will be up for the task,” he said.
“Sunday’s game is a massive game. It's not a title decider, but from a momentum perspective it will play a big part.
“Morale in the camp is good and we are preparing as normal. We had two good sessions this week, with one final [session] to go over game-day strategy a bit more.”
Zebras will also be hoping to step up their title bid when they host struggling X-Roads Warriors at PHC Field tomorrow.
Cecoy Robinson’s team are on a seven-game unbeaten run in the league and will be keen to avenge a humbling 3-0 loss to X-Roads in the first league meeting between the sides this season.
Bottom dwellers Boulevard are at home to eighth place St George’s Colts at Devonshire Rec, in a game of vital importance to both sides in terms of relegation. Blazers have only managed to take two points from a possible 27, and St George’s six from 30.
Second from bottom Young Men’s Social Club will also be hoping to turn their fortunes around and steer clear of the relegation zone, playing away to Paget Lions at Wellington Oval.
Bluebirds are two points shy of safely having only taken four points from a possible 30, and their task won’t be easy against a Paget side who picked up their second win of the season against X-Roads last time out to ease any relegation concerns of their own.
There are two First Division fixtures scheduled for tomorrow, with Robin Hood taking on Vasco at PHC Field, and Somerset Eagles hosting St David’s at White Hill Field.
