Reported by Sports Analyst Clyde Jureidini
Harbour View Football Club hosted Vere United at Tivoli Gardens FC ‘s home ground of the Edward Seaga Sports Complex in Railway Oval. Entering the contest, Harbour View FC was already safely positioned in 4th spot, and unlikely to pass 3rd-place Mount Pleasant based on goal difference. The technical staff and players were always aware of the permutations which existed, and it seemed to seep into the laissez faire approach on the field. A large-scale squad and team rotation was evident.
Jamaica Premier League Round 2: Harbour View vs Vere United
Vere United Coach Linval ‘Rudy’ Dixon and his professional approach seemed to mainly care about playing well, focused and with a winning attitude. It showed immediately in the first half as Vere United dominated possession, attack and defense against an uncoordinated posture from the hosts. Stout-hearted defense by the experienced backline rescued a bad shift. Their most dangerous attack bounced off the crossbar harmlessly, as Harbour View custodian Anthony ‘Deco’ Bennett had it fully covered.
Harbour View coaches Bernard, Fraser, McFarlane and Henry must have had a good halftime, as the style of play we know emerged in the second half. In an early replacement, Kemar Mullings came on for an injured Shawn Daley. Harbour View FC looked lively as the qualities of Phillon Lawrence emerged down the right with Romaine Brackenridge, as Oshane Staple balanced his 2-way game properly. Further substitutions from Jae Jamison, Gavin Burton, and Jamone Shepherd brought the game to par. Vere United then adopted a defensive posture while playing well in midfield to create an even game. Lawrence hit the crossbar after being blocked by Vere goalkeeper Roje Williams from close in. When Cristojaye Daley made an entrance very late in the game it showed a hope of Harbour View FC snatching a late victory on the cards.
As fate would have it, a stalemate was the fair result, 0-0. Football courtesies and open smiles of relief were exchanged. The Clarendonians closed their season campaign to retool for the new season in October 2023.
Playoff-bound
In a rare occasion of recent months, rain fell across Kingston before the final round of the preliminary set of games in the Jamaica Premier League. All 7 games were scheduled at the same time, 3:15pm, due to international FIFA Fair Play Standards of transparency accepted some years ago. At the last minute the Jamaica Football Federation, quite correctly, rescheduled the fixture between both relegated clubs Faulklands FC and Chapelton Maroons FC. It was to be played as a curtain-raiser at 1pm before the Montego Bay United FC hosted Cavalier SC at the designated 3:15pm game at the Wespow Sporting Complex in Montego Bay. The appeal of the games were vested on which clubs could make it into the final top 6 playoff places, where up to 4 clubs were in a tight contest. Eventually last year’s beaten finalist, Dunbeholden FC, made the cut by defeating Mount Pleasant Academy FC by 3-1 to reach the coveted 6th position. 5th-placed Humble Lion FC would not likely pass Harbour View FC even if they won a game against 7th place Waterhouse FC.
Stars of the East aim for 6th titles
Harbour View FC has much more in the journey ahead; the business end kicks in for the defending Premier League champions. The next 3 Fridays are dedicated to the Lynk Cup Knockout restarting, with 2 semifinal legs at The Stadium East Complex. The Jamaica Premier League playoffs kicks off over 5 Mondays, all at the famed Sabina Park venue. The main aim is the lift the Premier League Championship once again but our love for the all-island knockout crown is also an attractive challenge. Harbour View currently have 5 titles in both competitions, and want to make the most of the precious moments ahead with all your support along with us.
One View! Come-On-The- View!!!