Maverley, Brazil look to book final Premier League spot
The battle for the final Premier League qualification spot will conclude today with Maverley/Hughenden FC tackling the unbeaten Jamalco and Brazil FC taking on Granville United in crucial encounters in the Jamaica Football Federation Charley’s JB Rum Play-offs.
Maverley/Hughenden will trek to Jamalco at the Jamalco Sports Complex, while Brazil FC will be at home to Granville United at Drax Hall in St Ann. Both games are scheduled for 3:30 pm.
The already qualified Jamalco FC of Clarendon lead the four-team standing with 15 points, while Maverley/Hughenden are on eight and Brazil have five points. A draw would be good enough for Maverley, but Brazil must win and hope the KSAFA champions lose to surprise package, Jamalco.
Granville are at the bottom without a point after five games.
Having suffered a 0-1 defeat to Jamalco in their first-round clash at home, Maverley/Hughenden will be optimistic of turning the tables.
A win for Maverley/Hughenden would put qualification beyond doubt and would see them joining Jamalco in the upcoming season of the nation’s top-flight league, regardless of the outcome in the other fixture.
Jamalco have been an unstoppable force throughout the campaign and will be riding high heading into the contest. With their dreams already realised, their unbeaten record is the only thing at stake for the youthful unit, and they will be aiming to make it six from six to end on a high.
Meanwhile, Brazil will be seeking to make all against the hapless Granville United with hopes that Maverley/Hughenden suffers a handsome defeat, which would bring goal difference into play.
In their previous meeting, Brazil FC registered a 2-1 victory when playing away and will be once again be favoured to get the better of their opponents.
More importantly, with the width of their home surface very much to their liking, the David Galloway-coached Brazil will be hoping to stretch their opponents and capitalise on every possible opportunity.
Though out of contention, Granville United of St James will also be seeking to salvage something from the encounter to end their dismal campaign on a positive note.
— Sherdon Cowan
