Central FC is very much aware of the challenges ahead after jumping to the top of the Digicel Pro League standings last weekend.
The ‘Sharks’ now with 6 points, and followed close by North East Stars (5 points) defeated T&TEC FC with a 2-1 comeback score on Saturday at the Larry Gomes Stadium to record maximum points from its first two games.
But enjoying such satisfaction also brings an evenly matched difficulty.
Getting there is one thing, but staying there is much more difficult and Head Coach Graham Rix is fully aware.
In a release by Central FC on Sunday night, Rix stated: “Obviously it’s great to be on top, especially with a game in hand, but it does add to the pressure.”
The Sharks, 1-0 winners over Police FC in Round One Match Day Two, stands with a (Round One Match Day One) game in hand against defending champions W Connection.
Central hunts another three points in Round One Match Day Four when the Rix coached side hosts St. Ann’s Rangers on Saturday 3 November from 5pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
However Rix, a former England and Arsenal footballer, warns, “Such a positive start can motivate the opposition to raise their game.
“Every team will want to be the first to beat us [in the League], so every game will be tough. But the players know this and are focused on our own performance not that of the opposition.
“It’s a bit cliché, but there are no easy games. Rangers took the lead against W Connection on Friday and they didn’t fall behind until the 83rd minute. We treat every game the same and we will certainly respect every club that we play.”
The former Chelsea assistant coach went further to add, “We started our preparation way behind the other clubs. People told me that my players were rejects, but I don’t believe that. I had no prior history to cloud my opinion and every player was signed on merit.”
He did however admit that some players needed work on their fitness and praised team trainer/physiotherapist Lindsay Davis, also from England.
“You can instantly see talent in a player,” added Rix. “The test is to see if they are hungry enough to get back into shape. A huge part of our success so far is a credit to our trainer, Lindsay.”
Round Three Match Day Four begins on Friday 2 November with a double header at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium. Police FC takes on Defence Force from 6pm and W Connection against North East Stars from 8pm.
And in the second fixture of the Ato Boldon Stadium double header on Saturday, T&TEC FC hosts Caledonia AIA from 7pm.
Digicel Pro League Championship
Round One Match Day Four
Friday 2 November 2012
Manny Ramjohn Stadium[/b]
Police FC vs Defence Force—6pm
W Connection vs North East Stars—8pm
Ato Boldon Stadium
Central FC vs St. Ann’s Rangers—5pm
T&TEC FC vs Caledonia AIA—7pm