KINGSTON, Jamaica — The fireworks expected from the clashes involving the top four teams in the Jamaica Premier League fizzled as both games ended in draws over the weekend.

League leaders Montego Bay United (MBU) gave up a 2-0 lead against 10-man Portmore United and had to settle for a 2-2 draw instead, while second-placed Mt Pleasant FA and third-placed Racing United were goalless.

Additionally, fifth-placed Waterhouse FC also drew, held 1-1 by Arnett Gardens.

Despite the slip, Montego Bay United remained atop the standings with 62 points and seven matches left in the regular season. Mt Pleasant FA, with a game in hand, sit second on 57 points, followed by Racing United on 55. Portmore United hold fourth with 52 points, while Waterhouse are fifth on 50, five ahead of defending champions Cavalier SC, who were 2-0 winners over Molynes United on Sunday.

There were also wins for Treasure Beach over Tivoli Gardens and Spanish Town Police over Dunbeholden FC.

At Ferdie Neita Park, Montego Bay United took early control when Kimani Arbouine scored in the ninth minute. The western-based club doubled their lead in the 51st minute through a free kick from Okeemo Jones after Portmore United’s Stephen Young was sent off for a foul on the edge of the 18-yard box.

Portmore United, however, mounted a late comeback. An own goal by MBU’s goalkeeper Devonie Burton in the 81st minute shifted momentum, and they took advantage when Peter McGregor came off the bench to score the equaliser in the 88th minute.

At Drax Hall, neither Mt Pleasant FA nor Racing United could find a breakthrough, extending their winless runs to three and four matches, respectively.

At Drewsland, second-half substitute Neron Barrow gave Waterhouse the lead when he scored in the 56th minute, but Arnett Gardens levelled the scores four minutes later through Jermy Nelson, extending their unbeaten run against Waterhouse to 13 games.

Odane Wilberforce scored in the 46th minute, and an own goal in the 75th minute saw Cavalier snap a three-game losing skid and maintain their place in the top six.

Chapelton Maroons failed to keep the pressure on Cavalier when they were held 1-1 by Harbour View, giving up a first-half lead when Nathaniel Howe scored just before half-time.

Harbour View snatched a point when Roderick Granville equalised in the 61st minute.

Treasure Beach extended their unbeaten run to five games after coming from behind to beat Tivoli Gardens 2-1 in Santa Cruz.

Tivoli Gardens went ahead through Justin Dunn in the 21st minute, but Orian Titus equalised in the 23rd minute before Shaquiel Campbell scored the winning goal in time added on in the first half.

Last-placed Spanish Town Police scored back-to-back wins, beating Dunbeholden FC 4-1 with a brace from Jaheim McGregor to get within three points of safety.

Andrew Vanzie opened the scoring for Spanish Town in the 24th minute, but Nevaun Turner brought Dunbeholden back level in the 40th minute.

McGregor, however, restored Spanish Town’s lead in time added at the end of the first half. Ryieme Gayle extended the lead when he scored in the 65th minute before McGregor added the fourth in the 80th minute.

Sunday’s results:

Portmore United — 2, Montego Bay United — 2

Treasure Beach FC — 2, Tivoli Gardens — 1

Harbour View — 1, Chapelton Maroons — 1

Spanish Town Police — 4, Dunbeholden FC — 1

Cavalier SC — 2, Molynes United — 0

Waterhouse FC — 1, Arnett Gardens — 1

Mt Pleasant FA — 0, Racing United — 0

— Paul A Reid