Dunbeholden FC enhanced their play-off hopes with a 3-2 win over Molynes United in their Red Stripe Premier League encounter at Constant Spring Sports Complex yesterday.

The lethal Deanandre Thomas grabbed a brace in the ninth and 29th minutes and jumped to the top of the goalscoring chart with 12 goals.

Portmore United’s Cory Burke sits on 11 goals and was slated to be in action later yesterday against Harbour View at 7:00 pm and could regain the lead in the golden boot race.

It was Dunbeholden’s second-consecutive win and their eighth overall, and they provisionally jumped into a play-off spot and into sixth position with 28 points.

However, this position can change as Cavalier FC on 25 points were scheduled to play Waterhouse in the late kick-off at 8:00 pm.

National invitee Jermy Nelson had twice pulled Molynes United level, both times from the penalty spot in the 24th and 49th minutes to take his tally for the season to six.

But the promoted Kingston and St Andrew Football Association outfit could not hold out and suffered their 11th defeat in their last 13 games and slipped to 10th spot on 23 points.

Having won their first six games to lead the league, Molynes United are eight points above the relegation zone currently occupied by the The University of the West Indies (UWI) and Vere United on 15 points each.

Last Monday, Molynes United ended their losing streak by defeating leaders Waterhouse 2-1, and it seemed they had reignited their season and were ready to challenge for a top-six play-off spot.

However, it was another tepid display despite Head Coach Calvert Fitzgerald reorganising his starting team by moving Sergino Frankson from the heart of his defence to midfield, and pushing his central playmaker Jermy Nelson to a more attacking role.

Veteran Devon Hodges started on the bench and remained there, while the regular striking pair of Rayan Brown, who is reportedly heading to Mount Pleasant Football Academy at the January transfer window, and former National Under-20 player Nicholas Nelson came off the bench, but to minimal effect.

Dunbeholden were solid as ever with veteran Andre Dyce and Shaquille Dyer marshalling the backline, while the skilful Nickoy Christian dictated play from the middle of the park, which made life easier for strikers Thomas and McFarlane.

But with Frankson out of the Molynes United backline, both Thomas and McFarlane had easy passages, and there was no surprise when Thomas latched onto a Christian through ball, turned a defender before firing home.

After dominating play, Dunbeholden recklessly gave away a penalty as Dyer fouled Orane Ferguson and Nelson calmly tucked away the penalty kick to pull Molynes United level in the 25th minute.

But Dunbeholden would restore their advantage courtesy of Thomas, who once again latched onto a headed through ball and made no mistake before the half-hour mark.

Then once again Dunbeholden allowed Molynes United back into the game as their goalkeeper Giovanni Smith needlessly fouled Nelson, who was heading away from goal. The lanky player picked himself up and converted from the spot for the second time.

However, Dunbeholden were not to be denied and former Tivoli Gardens and Waterhouse player McFarlane scored a beautiful header in the 52nd minute, and Dunbeholden easily saw out the rest of the game for three valuable points.

Meanwhile, in the other early game yesterday, Tivoli Gardens were held to a 1-1 result by Vere United at Wembley Centre of Excellence in Clarendon.

Newton Sterling gave Tivoli Gardens a fifth-minute lead, but Devroy Gray earned a share of the points for Vere United netting in minute 38.

While Vere United remained at the bottom of the 12-team league on 15 points, Tivoli Gardens actually gained two spots to eighth on 23 points.

In the late kick-off, Arnett Gardens were leading Humble Lion 1-0 courtesy of Kemal Malcolm’s sixth-minute strike up to press time.

Teams: Molynes United — Leon Taylor, Kemar Seivwright, Shane Watson, Damion Thomas, Sergino Frankson, Tyrece Wynter, Tyrique Wilson, Jermy Nelson (Tajahe Dixon 75th), Fabaki Farquharson, Anthony Greenland (Rayan Brown 62nd), Orane Ferguson (Nicholas Nelson 60th)

Subs not used: Kluvi Christian, Ackeem Stewart, Devon Hodges, Kevin Brown

Booked: Watson (35th)

Dunbeholden — Giovanni Smith, Andre Dyce, Shaquille Dyer, Kemoy Atkinson, Saneekie Burton (Dwayne Smith 78th), Shevan James, Clayon Pusey, Nickoy Christian (Kemoy Carruthers 84th), Andre McFarlane (Gavin Roberts 81st), Demario Phillips, Deanandre Thomas

Subs not used: Craig Gayle, Atapharoy Bygrave, Anthony Thompson, Shaquille Jones

Booked: Atkinson (46th)

Referee: Okeito Nicholson

Assistant referees: Damion Williams, Ricardo McKenzie

Fourth official: Graffique King

Match commissary: Garfield McDonald