Relegation Thursday in the RSPL

File Photo: Waterhouse FC v FC Reno earlier this season. That game ended 2-2.

The penultimate match day of the 2015-2016 season of the Red Stripe Premier League could turn out to be relegation Thursday, as the two team that have spent the most time in the relegation zone, Rivoli United FC and Waterhouse FC, may both find their premier league status terminated today.

Eleventh placed Rivoli host third placed Montego Bay United in desperate need of three precious points but can expect no favours from a team that has lost two games on the bounce, following consecutive draws. Already assured a place in the semi-finals, Mobay United will look to return to winning ways before the crucial knock out phase begins. Rivoli need not only an unlikely win but also for 10^th placed Cavalier SC to lose, to keep hope alive heading into Sunday’s final match day.

Just two seasons ago, Waterhouse FC contested the final of the RSPL where they lost to Montego Bay United. Now they find their premier league status under real threat and fans and experts alike have struggled to explain this precipitous fall from grace.

With only 28 points from 31 games up to this point, Waterhouse need not only back to back wins, but for the teams just above them, Rivoli and Cavalier SC to lose. Waterhouse host fellow relegation strugglers FC Reno, who are themselves not out the woods, at Drewsland with all to play for. The Anthony Patrick coached team had won two games in a row to climb up one place in the standings, only to lose two on the trot and return to familiar territory. Now they must summon up all their resolve if they are to save themselves from the dreaded drop. Reno cannot afford to lose this game either, as they can still be caught by the three teams below them.

While Waterhouse and Rivoli are odds on favourites for the drop with only two match days left in the regular season, Cavalier SC are not yet out of the woods and must get something out of their final two games if they are to avoid any late season drama. They only have a little matter of trying to get past Humble Lion who are still keen on getting into the final four. This means the Rudolph Speid coached team must be at their best when they visit the Effortville Community Centre today. Humble Lion has shown just how determined they are to get into the top four, winning their last game on Sunday, away to Boys Town, courtesy of a 92^nd minute winner from Gregory Lewis.

At the end of the day, the intrigue that has surrounded the foot of the RSPL table for the last few weeks may see its climax, or it may just be extended to Sunday’s final regular season match day, to keep the fans one the edge of their collective seats for a few more hours.

All games begin at 3:30pm.