Defending champions Cavalier FC moved to within three points of the top-three places in the Jamaica Premier League on Sunday after beating a stubborn Dunbeholden United 2-0 in their second round game played at Dunbeholden Sports Complex.

Dunbeholden, who fell to within two points of the relegation zone, held off the champions until the 68th minute when Christopher Ainsworth opened the scoring before Adrian Reid added a second in the 77th minute as Cavalier FC ended a two-game winless run.

The win saw Cavalier moved to 31 points, three behind Montego Bay United and Arnett Gardens who are tied on 34 points. Mt Pleasant FA lead the standings with 37 points.

Portmore United snapped a seven-game winless skid by beating Vere United 2-0 at Wembley Centre of Excellence, moving up one place to fifth on 27 points on goal-difference over Waterhouse FC. Portmore got goals early in each half with Tarick Ximines putting them ahead in the 15th minute before Tedj Bryan added a second in the 53rd minute.

After coming from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw against Cavalier FC in their previous game, Waterhouse missed a second half penalty kick and were beaten 1-0 by Tivoli Gardens. Nickalia Fuller converted a 72nd minute penalty to give Tivoli Gardens their third win in the last four games – they are four points outside the play-off spots on 23 points. Tivoli ended the game with 10 men after Trevaune McKain was shown a second yellow card in the 90th minute.

Chapelton Maroons and Molynes United remain locked on 17 points in mid table after their encounter ended goalless while cellar dwellers Harbour View and Humble Lions played out a 1-1 draw.

James Thomas gave Humble Lion the lead in the 24th minute when he scored from the penalty spot while Timar Lewis salvaged a point for Harbour View when he scored four minutes into time added.