Lime Hall FC set for Popeye's Challenge Cup opener against Wi-Fi United at Drax Hall

Lime Hall FC goalkeeper coach Oain Allen says his side are prepared for every scenario as they prepare to meet Wi-Fi United in the feature fixture of CVM's double-header on Wednesday at the Drax Hall Sports Complex in the Popeye's Challenge Cup.

St. Ann-based Lime Hall are expected to draw heavy home support at the venue against Portland-based Wi-Fi United in the winner-takes-all tie. The club were promoted to the Jamaica Premier League in 2023 and relegated in the same campaign. With a return to the top flight no longer possible this term, Allen said the team are chasing trophies instead.

Allen said residents are enthusiastic about the new Popeye's Challenge Cup format and he anticipates a large turnout on Wednesday. "This community love football," he said. "Nice. Nice. For we now the community is welcome to see the Popeye's Challenge Cup and we're going to have a full load coming Wednesday."

Allen, who said he has played football from a young age, credited Lime Hall with helping his career, including time in the Premier League with the club. He said the squad are now in the championship division and, although they did not secure promotion, they expect improvement next season.

He pointed to a youthful roster eager for competitive minutes. He said the Challenge Cup offers a different stage from the Jamaica Championship and will give young players a chance to show their ability. "We know the Challenge Cup now it's different from the Jamaica Championship and now they're going to be exposing their talents," he said.

Allen stressed that knockout football demands caution. "We're going to take it one step at a time because this is a knockout competition and we cannot afford to be out of this competition so early," he said. "We're preparing very well and the guys are mentally ready for this."