April 4, 2011
The eight remaining teams, including defending champions Boys’ Town will look to continue their journey in the Flow Champions Cup when the quarter finals kicks off on Wednesday, April 6 at four venues across the Kingston metropolitan area and St Catherine.
Defending Champions Boys’ Town, who are looking to three peats, will have a tough assignment if they are to make it into the semi finals, as they square off with neighbors and arch rivals Arnett Gardens at Collie Smith Drive.
The Red Brigade have had a torrid run in the competition this year after almost being eliminated by Humble Lion in the second round.
Despite the close shave, head coach Andrew Price believes these are the things teams have to go through to win championships.
“Our team has a lot of tenacity and fight, we were one nil down against Humble Lion in the final minute of the game but we were able to pull a goal back and eventually go on to win the game, that’s what champions are all about and we intend to bring the same attitude in the quarter final game against Arnett.”
Boys’ Town’s enterprising play has been centered around Captain Michael Campbell and the return of midfielder O’Neil Thompson from Norway. The red brigade will also look to defender Wayne Ellis, Xavian Virgo and last year’s MVP Renae Lloyd to lead their charge.
On the other hand, Arnett Gardens are also in confident mood as they head down the road to play their neighbors. After disposing Seba United and Downs FC at home, Arnett will be making their first trip outside the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex in the Flow Champions Cup.
Former National striker Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis is the man in charge of the Junglist.
“This is the kind of matchup that my team relish, the last time we came here and played in the all island knock out we won and we are confident that my team can deliver the goods on the day.”
Arnett’s inspirational play has been credited to an all round team effort lead by captain Kirk Ramsey, striker Newton Sterling, midfielder Nicholas Dodd, who copped the ‘Flow Man of the Match’ of the first round and won for himself a desk top computer from Flow.
The other quarter final fixtures sees perennial contenders Tivoli Gardens travelling to Spanish Town to face newcomers Frazsiers Whip who have been creating waves in the 2011 edition of the Flow Champions Cup.
Frazsiers have already upset one Premier League team, Village United, and the St Catherine based team will be hunting another scalp when Tivoli comes to town. They will be banking on National under 20 player Nico Brett to take the fight to Tivoli.
“We expect anything to happen against Tivoli, one thing for sure my team is not afraid of them, we have done our home work and we are prepared for a hard running game, we will sit back and observe them before we make our move.” said Wayne Gadishaw, Manager of Frazsiers Whip.
His opposite number Brian Rose of Tivoli is also in confident mood as the Premier league team look to book a spot in the semi finals after being eliminated early last season. There key player is National mid fielder Kemar Daley
“I think this is a good draw for us, I hear that they are a spirited team and I believe it is going to be a tough match, but I think our superiority will come to the fore on the day.”
Over in Portmore, another exciting clash loom as home team Portmore United take on St. George’s Sports Club, the team that eliminated them from last year’s competition.
Portmore’s run to the quarter final saw them getting by Sporting Central Academy 4-2 and by the looks of things goals galore could be the order of the day come Wednesday.
Striker Steven Morrissey and Ricardo Cousins both scored twice and they will be expecting more of the same at the Ferdie Neita Park.
“Our squad is a deep one and the guys have been putting in the work so I expect the same kind of intensity at home when we play St. George’s.” said Portmore’s Coach Linval Dixon.
For St. George’s President Everton King, the game will be a tough one, however the team still remembers last season epic performance that eventually saw them going all the way to the semi finals.
Former national Player Donavan Davis is the point man for the Portland based team who are on the verge of their second straight Flow Champions Cup Semi final.
“If you want to win this competition you have to go anywhere and win, our team is in good knick at the moment and I believe the boys want to make it to the semis again.
The other quarter final clash will see giant killers Santos taking on Sandals Whitehouse out of Westmorland. Santos, who dumped Reno and Benfica out of the competition, will look for an easier matchup up against Sandals.
“This probably will be the easiest game for us in this competition but we are not going to underestimate them we are just going to play our game and see what happens.” said Carlton Dennis of Santos.
Former Reggae Boy Aaron Lawrence who is the coach of the Sandals team has a different view on the proceedings. “We are ready to roll with a bang, Sandals will be on everyone’s lips when all is said and done.”
Flow title sponsors of the Champions Cup for the third year running alongside, regional cable giants SportsMax, the championship managers also see first time sponsors Red Stripe and Voltaren coming on board as associate sponsors.
