Early pacesetters, August Town, with maximum nine points from three starts, will look to build on an excellent start to the Claro Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) Super League, when they face perennial contenders Bull Bay at Bull Pen, beginning at 3 p.m. today.
August Town, relegated from the Premier League last season, have hardly been tested in their first three encounters, opening their campaign with 6-0 whippings of Liguanea United and promoted Real Mona, before brushing aside Mountain View 5-1.
However, last year's Super League runners-up, Bull Bay, who have seven points from three games, should prove to be a far tougher prospect today and could provide a reality check for the rampaging August Town.
Competitive game
With that in mind, August Town's coach, Calvert Fitzgerald, will be reluctant to throw caution to the wind, despite seeing his team slam in 17 goals in their first three games.
"Traditionally, they are a good team, always among the top finishers. So, we are looking for a very competitive game today, our toughest to date," Fitzgerald said. "With such a good start to the season, it is important to guard against complacency. That showed up a little in our last game so we took a while to get going, so we have to keep our concentration."
He added, "Keeping possession has been very important for us so far, we hope to continue doing and run a tight shift defensively."
August Town have conceded one goal in their first three games, with former Premier League striker Nicholas McCreath and Donovan Hibbert leading the way up front with five goals apiece.
Off to modest start
With two 1-0 victories over Real Mona and Mountain View and a 1-1 draw with Santos, Bull Bay are off to a more modest start to the season. According to coach Michael McIntosh though, that does equte to being overly cautious heading into today's fixture.
"In the past, we played them in the Jackie Bell and they only beat them 1-0. So, I could say the psychological advantage is ours," said McIntosh. "They have scored a lot of goals so far, but we know our strengths and their weaknesses so I think we have what it takes to win today. The energy level for the team will be very important for the team today and we will also be keen on putting away our chances."
Other games
In the day's other games, all slated to begin at 3p.m., the Jamaica Defence Force, who are also off to a bright start, tackle Liguanea United at Jamaica College. Cavalier will play Maverley/Hughenden at Constant Spring, Mountain View host Constant Spring at Excelsior High School, Duhaney Park host Santos and winless Real Mona tackle Police National at Buttercup Park.