Girlz seek 2nd win

Printed Friday 5th, 2007

Jamaica will tackle Antigua and Barbuda in a top-of-the-table clash as the second round of Group C, Caribbean First-Round Qualifiers takes place at the Antigua Recreation Ground, starting at 2:45 pm (local time).

In the other encounter, cellar teams Bermuda and Dominica square off at 12:45 after losing heavily in their first matches. With only the group winners advancing to the second-round qualifiers, Jamaica are marginally on top of Antigua on goal difference and should stamp their authority on their opponents.

In the first set of games, Jamaica whipped Bermuda 4-0, while hosts Antigua and Barbuda defeated Dominica 3-0 to set up this crucial clash. Reggae Girlz coach, Charles Edwards said, moments after taking the team through their paces  that Jamaica will be going all out to take a stranglehold on the group and effectively win the group with a game to spare. Said Edwards: "It will be a crucial game and we are taking it seriously. We are going to give it our all and will not be relaxing any at all and really apply the punch to them.

"We had a good training session this evening and all the players were looking confident and you could see them enjoying themselves, knocking the ball around. It was a positive thing for any coach to have seen. It's looking good for the next game," added Edwards, who also coaches Barbican FC in the Women's League. Although Edwards thinks Bermuda, who were steamrolled by Jamaica, are the second best team in the group, he knows that Antigua are capable of stepping up their game.

"I would give Bermuda the edge as the second best team in the group, but we have to remember that Antigua are on home turf and that will give them something extra, and I think they will lift their game." Jamaica will be using the same starting 11 that blew away Bermuda in the first half with the same 5-3-2 formation.  Tashana Vincent will again partner with 17-year-old Kenesha Reid up front, with the smooth Alicia James running the midfield show, along with Rochelle Bryan and the skilful Jodi-Ann McGregor. The backline will be marshalled by captain and sweeper Tanesia Vassell, Latoya Panton, Marcillee McBean, Janice Rennalls and 16-year-old left back, Monique Pryce.