Ainsley Walters, Freelance Writer
Meadhaven United's Rohan Williams (left) and Shawn Hunter could be playing in the Premier League next season. - ricardo makyn
UNBEATEN Meadhaven United are within touching distance of a Premier League spot, needing a victory against winless Wadadah at the UDC field in Montego Bay tomorrow afternoon to all but seal the deal.
Cruising out front on nine points, three ahead of Rivoli, a win in Montego Bay would push Meadhaven to 12 points, as many as third-place York can attain from their three remaining return games.
York of St Thomas are third on three points in the play-off series and down to face Rivoli at the Rio Cobre Field in Spanish Town.
Meadhaven are fancied to get the better of Wadadah, who they had beaten 2-1 at Constant Spring in the opening round of games in the play-off series.
Away victory
An away victory for York over Rivoli would delay Meadhaven's bid. However, if Rivoli register a second win against the men from St Thomas, who they had beaten 4-1 on the road, a victory in Montego Bay would spell automatic qualification for Meadhaven.
After watching his team beat York 1-0 at Constant Spring on Sunday, Meadhaven coach Lijyasu Simms was already looking forward to travelling to Wadadah.
"Three more points put us on the way but we're not there as yet," he said.
"We're going back to the drawing board to go down to Montego Bay for three more."
Wadadah, former Premier League champions, and once the pride of Montego Bay, alongside Seba United, who were demoted from the Premiership last season, are in dire straits.
With three games left in the play-off series, the Montegonians have virtually no chance of making the cut unlike York, who are still in with a shot.
Clear favourites
Rivoli are clear second-favourites to advance to the Premier League with Meadhaven. The Spanish Town side last played in the big league three seasons ago and have retained many of their players including Devon Hodges, who scored in his team's three games including a double in Sunday's 3-0 victory over Wadadah.
Against Meadhaven on Sunday, York's best attempts were long-range free-kicks taken by Charles Williams in both halves.
It will be a tough task for the men from St Thomas to notch a win in Spanish Town but coach Patrick Barclay said his team would battle to the last game.
"It's never over until the last game," he said, after Sunday's loss against Meadhaven. "Play-offs are unique and we could see different scenarios," he added, no doubt hoping for a win at Spanish Town.
Play-offs standings
Teams Pld W D L GF GA GD PTS
Meadhaven 3 3 0 0 6 3 3 9
Rivoli 3 2 0 1 9 4 5 6
York 3 1 0 2 2 5 -3 3
Wadadah 3 0 0 3 1 6 -5 0
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