“We just run a bit slack,” said Defence Force head coach Ross Russell a day after his team’s 2-1 defeat against DIRECTV North East Stars at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Round Two Match Day Three at the Larry Gomes Stadium.
Tuesday’s defeat was the first 2010-2011 Digicel Pro League Championship loss suffered by the Soldiers.
“We more or less have to blame ourselves,” added Russell after describing Tuesday’s performance as a lackluster one.
Defence Force will face Ma Pau SC from 8pm at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Round Two Match Day Four—the final match day before the Christmas Break.
Despite dropping points in their last two outings(W Connection 0-0 and North East Stars 1-2), the Soldiers remain at the top of the standings with 31 points—nine points clear of closest challenger Bmobile Joe Public.
“We are looking for full points and go into the break with 34 points,” said the Defence Force coach.
“We are still sitting in a comfort zone. So once we go out and get maximum points against Ma Pau we can see ourselves wrapping up things by the first two (League)games in January.
Ross Russell is welcoming the return of trio Keston Williams, Dexter Pacheco and Kerry Joseph from injury ahead of Friday’s clash.
“We are going to continue training hard as we always do and prepare to do our best. We hope to come out sparking in our next match. We would try and use some fresh legs and give the regular guys who have been at all season, a rest,” concluded the Army coach.
2010—2011 Digicel Pro League Championship
Round Two Match Day Four
Friday 17 December 2010
Hasely Crawford Stadium
San Juan Jabloteh vs Police FC—6pm
Ma Pau SC vs Defence Force—8pm
Saturday 18 December 2010
Marvin Lee Stadium
Joe Public vs FC SouthEnd—6pm
Larry Gomes Stadium
North East Stars vs Caledonia AIA—6pm
Monday 20 December 2010
Ato Boldon Stadium
W Connection vs St. Ann’s Rangers—6pm