ST JAMES, Jamaica — Coach Xavier Gilbert of Montego Bay United expressed frustration after yet another goalless result against Portmore United in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL).

After Sunday’s stalemate at Jarrett Park the two title aspirants have now played out four 0-0 results over the last two seasons. The five games between them during that time have produced two goals, Portmore’s 2-0 first-round win this season.

Montego Bay are still leading the JPL with 36 points, three more than Racing United. Portmore are third with 31 points.

At Jarrett Park, Montego Bay dominated the first half for long periods but found the Portmore defence too stubborn to break down.

Gilbert noted that his team had chances to leave the venue with all three points.

“It was difficult but we still got some good openings and should have converted — and that’s why I’m disappointed, you know. They are third, right behind us, and we wanted to open up a bigger gap, but it is what it is,” he said.

“Games are coming quick and fast and we know fatigue might be setting in, so I’m happy that we didn’t lose. But, I thought we dominated possession, created opportunities, and should have at least converted one,” Gilbert added.

Head coach Rudolph Austin admitted that Portmore’s game plan was to remain compact.

“Both teams are playing well. We’re playing away against a very strong MoBay team — not only strong, but the leaders of the league. They have been doing very good throughout the league, very consistent, so we can’t come here and really open up. So, we are satisfied with the game — playing to the game plan, and try to contain them as much as we can, and try to catch them on the break,” Austin explained.

Also on Sunday, Racing United were held 1-1 by Dunbeholden FC.

Dunbeholden gave up a lead and had to settle for a point for the second-straight game, after going ahead in the fifth minute through Odane Samuels. The consistent Tajay Grant earned a point for Racing, however, when he scored in the 75th minute.

Chapelton Maroons are into fourth place after edging last-placed Spanish Town Police FC 1-0.

Chapelton won their fourth game in their last five outings as Damoi Whitfield’s 31st-minute strike took them to 25 points.

SUNDAY’S RESULTS

Spanish Town Police 0, Chapelton 1

Montego Bay 0, Portmore 0

Racing 1, Dunbeholden 1

AUSTIN… we are satisfied with the game, playing to the game plan

GILBERT… we wanted to open up a bigger gap but it is what it is