JPL lead could be at stake
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Montego Bay United’s lead in the Jamaica Premier League could be at stake Thursday when they take on Harbour View in a first round game at Stadium East field, starting 3:00 pm.
Montego Bay United who are coming off a 3-0 loss to Cavalier SC on Monday night, saw their lead cut to one point ahead of second placed Portmore United who will also be in action against Waterhouse FC in the second game of a double header at Drewsland.
Montego Bay United are on 22 points, followed by Portmore United who could take advantage if the leaders were to slip up.
Also Thursday, Mount Pleasant FA will host red hot Tivoli Gardens at Drax Hall starting at 3:00 pm and defending champions Cavalier SC will face Molynes United in the first game at Drewsland set to start at 5:30 pm.
Montego Bay United are coming off their biggest loss of the season and faces a Harbour View team that will be full of confidence after their 5-2 demolition of Spanish Town Police on Sunday.
Harbour View have beaten Montego Bay United once in their last five meetings with the western based club winning their last two meetings by 1-0 margins.
Xavier Gilbert, the Montego Bay United coach, admitted his team were not up to the task Monday night but will hope they can put that performance behind them if they are to stay at the top of the tables.
Rohan Brown scored a hat trick for Harbour View on Sunday, albeit against the worst defence in the competition but will be full of confidence as he seeks to extend his scoring run.
Portmore United have won their last three games and are unbeaten in seven games and takes on a Waterhouse FC team that are winless in their last four outings and are coming off a loss to Tivoli Gardens on Monday.
Waterhouse FC have scored just two goals in their last four games and will face a Portmore United that have scored nine in their last three games.
Despite dominating the Caribbean Cup competition and being ranked first in the region, Mount Pleasant FA are yet to put their stamp on the JPL and have been struggling to find their best form and were held 0-0 at Dunbeholden on Sunday.
Tivoli Gardens have shaken off their early season malaise and have won their last three, jumping to fifth place in the tables and no doubt will be hoping for their first win over the St Ann based club dating back to 2022.
Cavalier SC will be confident they can beat winless Molynes United for a ninth straight time and continue their upwards trajectory in the tables.
Cavalier SC have won four of their last five games in the JPL and will start as overwhelming favourites to win again on Thursday.
Thursday games:
Montego Bay United vs Harbour View — Stadium East 3:00 pm;
Mount Pleasant FA vs Tivoli Gardens — Drax Hall 3:00 pm;
Molynes United vs Cavalier SC — Drewsland 5:30 pm; and
Waterhouse FC vs Portmore United — Drewsland 7:30 pm.