By Craig Brewin – Montserrat International Football Blog
Montserrat faces El Salvador on Saturday in this year’s CONCACAF Nations League at 10pm in what will be Montserrat’s last home game in the tournament this season. With points dropped at home to St Lucia last month, and with their final three games being played away from home, this is a crucial game against top quality opposition.
Centre Forward, Adrian Clifton made an appeal to the people of Montserrat today, to come along and support the team in person. “Last time it was short notice and in the afternoon on a workday, but this time it will be Saturday night. We still had a good crowd against St Lucia, but we want the whole island behind us”.
The last time the teams met El Salvador beat Montserrat with virtually the last kick of the game in what was Willie Donachie’s first game in charge. “We’re better this time”, said Donachie. “I’d only just met the players last time we played them, and we didn’t have the depth in the squad, but we’ve been together for a while now and we are stronger, with more players to pick from.” He agreed that the players tired towards the end of the St Lucia game. “We have more options this time” he said “and we’ll use the whole squad across the two games (El Salvador and Dominica Republic on Tuesday)”. He went on to say that “El Salvador underestimated us last time” but that won’t happen again.
In the absence of Lyle Taylor the team will be captained by the experienced midfielder James Comley “although I usually play centre half for Montserrat” he said. He seemed confident. Comley, along with Woods and Clifton, who were also at the press meet, agreed that the mood was good in the camp. They don’t have a great deal of time to train together, but as Donachie said, “we play a very English style of football, which works for us, and the players can easily fit into the system”. Donachie was asked about the new players called up this time, Nathan Pond and Matty Wichelow. Why have they opted to play now? “They are attracted to the little bit of success we have had,” he said. “There are other players who are now interested in coming over as well if we can keep it going. “
It was pointed out to him the Montserrat is on top of the table. “There is a long way to go yet” he replied. It was mentioned that El Salvador have players suspended, and he said “Let’s hope its the good ones”. They are confident, but will take any help they can get, including the roar of crowd.
