The race for the second automatic semi-finals qualifying spot in the Jamaica Premier League is on in earnest after Arnett Gardens beat relegated Vere United 3-1 in their third round game played at the Anthony Spaulding Complex on Monday.

With Montego Bay United losing to leaders Mt Pleasant FA a day earlier, the gap between the two teams is now two points with two games to go before the end of the preliminary rounds.

Montego Bay are on 72 points while Arnett, who snapped a five-game winless run, are on 70 points.

Arnett had things mostly easy and took the lead in the 13th minute thanks to a brilliant solo effort from Rushike Kelson, dribbling down the right flank, cutting inside, then beating a defender before switching the ball to his left foot and firing into the far corner of the Vere United goal.

Vere equalised in the 48th minute when Marcos Roas Filho was well placed at the far left post to score a rebound from a save by the Arnett Gardens goalkeeper Jadavin Waul.

However, Jaheim Thomas would restore Arnett Gardens’ lead in the 51st minute before Rushane Thompson came off the bench to score a third goal in the 74th minute.

In the first game on Monday night, defending champions Cavalier SC beat Chapelton Maroons 2-0 to move past Portmore United into fourth place on goal-difference – both teams on 63 points but Cavalier with a game in hand.

Cavalier went ahead in the 65th minute through an own goal while Dwayne Atkinson scored his ninth goal of the season when he made the scores 2-0 in the 88th minute.