Local giants Defence Force can jump to the top of the standings with a victory over Cl Financial Jabloteh when the eighth stage of matches in the Craven A Professional Football League getgoing today.

Today also marks the beginning of the second round in which Joe Public will meet Doc's Khelwalaas at Dr Joao Havelange Concacaf Centre of Excellence, Macoya, from 4:00 pm, while Police entertain Futgof at Fyzabad, also at 4:00 pm.

In the second match of the double-header at the Centre at 6:00 pm, the Army, fresh from a 5-2 drubbing of Police in the PFL Cup, will be on their heels against a tricky Jabloteh outfit.

A win will put the soldiers on level points with W Connection (18 points), but the latter possess a better goal difference.

Connection play their eighth match tomorrow against Point Fortin Civic Centre.

Attacking midfielder Carlos Edwards has been deemed the workhorse of the soldiers and once his footing is right on the day, well supported by the free scoring Errol McFarlane jnr, Jason Scotland, Granville Millington, and skipper Hutson Charles, Jabloteh's defence may well brace themselves for a torrid evening.

The San Juan men are by no means underdogs.

At present fourth in the table, they are the only side to defeat leaders Connection, but then disappointed their fans in a 3-1 loss to Doc's Khelwalaas in the Cup competition last Wednesday.

However, the trio of national striker Hector Sam, Warren Butler and Otis Seaton could make Jabloteh's night a more joyous one than the Army's. The Army were 1-0 victors in their first round meeting.

A victory for Jabloteh will push them ahead of third-placed Joe Public, if they (Public) were to falter in their encounter with Doc's which kicks off two hours earlier.

With Irasto Knights, Angus Eve and Arnold Dwarika all in the United States Ñ all three also doubtful for Trinidad and Tobago in the Copa Caribe Ñ all eyes will be on Nigerians Ugene Onuorah and Chukwudi Odita, and Justin Latapy, younger brother of national midfielder Russell Latapy. All three have already lined up for the "Eastern Lions" and coach Jamaal Shabaaz may use this as another opportunity to see how well they blend in with the likes of Terry St Louis and Kendall Velox.

Doc's meanwhile have held their own so far and will be keen to gain revenge for their 3-1 loss to Public in the first round. Leading goalscorer Collie Hercules (eight goals) will hope to inspire the Central boys to better things this time around.

At Petrotrin Ground, Fyzabad, a struggling Police unit come up against Futgof, whose campaign has been just as ragged as theirs.

Both teams will no doubt want to improve their record and do better than their 1-1 draw in the in the first round.