Jamalco FC condemned Maverley/Hughenden FC to their first defeat of the 2016/17 Red Stripe Premier League (RSPL) campaign following a 3-2 scoreline in an entertaining battle of the promoted teams yesterday.

Rohan Richards, with a brace in the 17th and 55th minutes, and substitute Daryan James (66th) set up victory for the Rayon Johnson-coached Jamalco FC. Nicholas (24th) and a penalty in the 74th by Rodico Wellington pulled it back for Maverley/Hughenden in the five-goal thriller at Constant Spring field.

The win propelled the Clarendon-based Jamalco FC into pole position on nine points, with a superior goal difference over champions Montego Bay United and Humble Lion FC, also on nine points each. Maverley/Hughenden have now slipped to ninth position in the 12-team standing with five points.

Maverley/Hughenden looked the more dangerous of the two after a spirited start which saw them dictating terms in the early exchanges. They launched a series of penetrative attacks down the right channel through Wellington, who floated some probing crosses inside the area, but close marking denied any real look at goal.

However, it was the visitors who grabbed the ascendancy at the most opportune moment, when Andrew Isaacs capitalised on the space down the left channel, while their opponents’ defence was caught appealing for an offside call. The diminutive Isaacs then played the ball wide of an advancing Damion Campbell in goal for Maverley/Hughenden for the onrushing Richards to apply the finishing touch from close range.

The hosts would get back on level terms six minutes later. A long pass from Shamari Dyer in the middle of the park, was expertly headed down by Omari Edwards for Scott, who released a sweetly struck right-footed shot from the top of the 18-yard area which got the better of custodian Levar Williams at his near post.

The momentum stuck with Maverley/Hughenden as they went in search of the go-ahead goal, but excellent glovework by Williams ensured that the score would remain unchanged at the break, as he threw his diminutive figure full stretch to the left to parry Wellington’s well-struck shot from a distance.

Maverley/Hughenden enjoyed the better of play on the resumption, but as it was in the first half, Jamalco FC broke the deadlock against the run of play. Richards completed his brace with a beautifully struck right-footed half-volley from an angle which left Campbell no chance.

He subsequently developed cramps after his brilliant strike and was replaced by James in the 65th minute.

James, sporting the number 21 jersey, impacted the game immediately upon his entry when he popped up to slot home from close range to put Jamalco 3-1 up, after the initial shot from Roshane Sharpe was blocked by Campbell.

The hosts continued to press and were duly rewarded after a cross by Scott was handled inside the area by Akeem Henry. Wellington stepped up and calmly converted the resulting penalty, which gave added impetus to the Lij Simms-coached team as they applied consistent pressure in the push for the equaliser, but it was not to be.

Teams: Maverley/Hughenden FC — Damion Campbell, Omari Edwards (Nigel Reid 67th), Andrew Peddlar, Rodico Wellington, Shamari Dyer, Robert Williams, Andrew White, Rohan Williams, Jamoy Sibblies (Locksley Thompson 60th), Wayne Williams, Nicholas Scott

Subs not used: Nicholas Campbell, Roberto Fletcher, Shamar Brown, Morais Somers, Odayne Burgher

Booked: Dyer (44th)

Jamalco FC — Levar Williams, Rannaldo Christian, Akeem Henry, Mikhail Howell, Shauntel Mundle, Sean Coleman, Andre Dawson (Ramone Plummer 80th), Rohan Richards (Daryan James 65th), Roshane Sharpe, Andrew Isaacs (Renoir Elliott 58th), Rohan Daley

Subs not used: Odean Clarke, Lastson Reid, Peter Brown, Demar Stone

Booked: Henry (74th), Dawson (80th)

Referee: Leon Brown

Assistant Referees: Nicholas Anderson, Melvin Reid

Fourth Official: Dameon Parchment

Match Commissary: Anthony Cooke

Yesterday’s results

Boys’ Town 1, Portmore United 2

Reno FC 0, Montego Bay United 2

Maverley/Hughenden 2, Jamalco FC 3

Humble Lion 1, Waterhouse 0

Arnett Gardens 1, Harbour View 0

Tivoli Gardens FC 1, UWI FC 2