An epic battle is expected when Cavalier and Greenwich Town meet in the Claro Jackie Bell Confederation KO decider today at the Spring Complex at 3 p.m.
Cavalier, who currently lie second in the Claro Super League standings, a point off leaders Santos, cleared their path to the final with victories over Central Kingston (4-1 on penalties), UWI (4-0), Rae Town (2-1) and Real Mona (3-2), respectively.
Greenwich Town, who occupy fourth place in the Claro Major League, have developed a giant-killing reputation, having got by three Super League teams en route to the final. They overcame Swallowfield (2-0), the Jamaica Defence Force (2-1), Constant Spring (1-0) and Santos (1-0).
Greenwich Town have been very miserly in defence, giving up only one goal in the knock-out competition, but they will have their hands full against a very potent Cavalier strike force, which includes Locksley Thompson (six goals) and Gee Daley (five) who occupy third and fourth places, respectively, on the Super League's leading goal scorers chart.
Wright to undergo surgery
Greenwich Town's semi-final win over Santos came at a cost as their leading forward, Shevan Wright, is slated to undergo surgery this week after suffering a broken shoulder following a collision with Santos goalkeeper Denzil Isaacs.
The coach of Greenwich Town, Steven Taylor, would like for his team to put out a special effort and win the game for their missing player.
"We're taking this game seriously because apart from dedicating it to the players and the community, we want to do it for him (Wright) especially," Taylor said.
"... Even last night we had a training session and the team was pretty hyped up and ready to go. Everybody wants to be in the final and when you are in the final you want to win it," he added.
Continuing, Taylor said: "They have players who are good so we will pay a little more attention to them. Once we carry the attack to them we should be okay because if we can shut down the midfield, they shouldn't be able to play their type of ball game and get on top of us. We should have a good game."
David Laylor, coach of Cavalier, is fearful his team might not be up for the final.
"There is a couple fears in this game; this is not a points game and it is not a knock-out game, it is really just to decide which one of the Premier League teams we are going to play," Laylor said. "So the thing right now is just to try and keep the Cavalier players in the right frame of mind as it relates to wanting to win everything."
Despite this, Laylor is anticipating an attractive game.
"The good thing about it, however, is you should see some attractive football, because the football game should be played more relaxed. We will see how their defence matches up against our offence."