Howard Walker | Jamaica Observer
The Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex should be buzzing with excitement today as four teams hunt two spots in the final of the Flow All-Island Champions Cup Knockout competition set for November 17.
In the curtain-raiser at 5:00 pm, urban powerhouse Harbour View take on Reno FC of Westmoreland before former Premier League kingpins Portmore United of St Catherine tackle Premier League champions Montego Bay United of St James at 7:00 pm.
Harbour View and Reno have met once this season in the Premier League, playing to an enthralling 3-3 draw at the Compound, and another close and exciting battle could be in store.
Reno, who made a return to top-flight football after being relegated in 2012, started in the Flow Champions Cup from the first round and eked out a 1-0 win over Lewis Strikers of St Ann on October 1.
They then clipped Spanish Town-based Rivoli United 2-1 in the second round on October 9, before booking their semi-final spot with a close 1-0 win over Clarendon’s Sporting Central Academy on October 16.
Harbour View, on the other hand, disposed of Humble Lion of Clarendon 1-0, and St Mary’s Highgate United 2-1 and hope to add Reno to that list.
Since drawing 3-3 with Reno on September 21, Harbour View have stepped up their game, winning four of their last five games in the Premier League, while Reno have lost three of their last four games at the top level.
But with a spot in the final at stake, Reno will be giving their all and Harbour View will definitely have a fight on their hands.
In the other semi-final, Montego Bay United will start favourites to book their spot in the final over Portmore United.
Montego Bay United were awarded a 3-0 victory over Waterhouse, who failed to show for their second-round encounter before edging Tivoli Gardens 4-3 on penalties after battling to a 2-2 draw in normal and extra time in the quarter-final.
Portmore United, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, started in the first round and had to work hard to see off Old Harbour Bay United 4-3 on penalties. They then blanked a Barbican team that got promoted to the Premier League 2-0, before defeating Boys’ Town 5-3 on penalties in the quarter-final.
The St Catherine powerhouse face their sternest test to date against a Montego Bay United outfit full of confidence and playing some good attacking football.
Both games should be close and exciting, but Harbour View and Montego Bay United are fancied to advance to the final, though it won’t be an easy passage.