KINGSTON, Jamaica – Racing United closed the gap on leaders Montego Bay United after beating 10-man Chapelton Maroons 2-0 in their Jamaica Premier League second round game at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Monday.

Racing extended their run of matches without a loss to 16 games and improved to 45 points, five points off the leaders who drew 2-2 with Harbour View on Sunday and three points ahead of third-placed Portmore United who have a game in hand.

Also on Monday, last-placed Spanish Town Police FC continued their battle against relegation with a gutsy 2-1 win over Arnett Gardens in the second game played at the Anthony Spaulding Complex, avenging their humiliating 10-2 loss in the first round.

In the first game, Javaughn Cole put Racing ahead in the 29th minute but they were unable to add to the lead until the 71st minute, after Chapelton’s goalkeeper Juan Lopez Ramirez handled the ball outside of his 18-yard area and was sent off. Kadean Young curled the resulting freekick past substitute goalkeeper Prince Daniel Smith into the near left corner.

In the second game, Spanish Town Police shocked Arnett Gardens – who were seeking to climb into the top six with a win – and have now won three of their last four games to earn nine of their 18 total points.

Carlington Blackwood put Spanish Town Police ahead when he converted from close range in the 29th minute after Arnett had failed to clear the ball from their goal area.

Fabian Reid pulled Arnett level in the 78th minute when he finished off a good three-man move, firing the ball low and hard past Spanish Town’s Glenroy Samuel into the low right hand corner.

With two minutes to go and minutes after Arnett Gardens had a second goal ruled out for offside, Jaheim McGregor produced the winner for Spanish Town when he looped a shot into the far left corner past goalkeeper Anthony Bennett.

-Paul A Reid