Mount Pleasant get second chance to qualify for JPL play-offs
MOUNT Pleasant FA will have another chance to secure an early play-off spot in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) when they face Treasure Beach FC in their third-round game at the St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex, starting at 3:30 pm.
Mount Pleasant, who are second on 61 points — four behind leaders Montego Bay United — missed their first opportunity on Wednesday when they were held 1-1 by Harbour View FC.
Montego Bay United, on 65 points, have already secured their place in the play-offs, with 10 of the 14 teams still mathematically in contention for the six available spots with five games to go.
Harbour View, Molynes United, Treasure Beach and Spanish Town Police have all been eliminated from play-off contention and will now be fighting to retain their places in the league next season.
A point would be enough for Mount Pleasant, who have yet to score against Treasure Beach this season after both previous meetings ended 0-0.
On paper, Mount Pleasant should take all three points but they have shown vulnerabilities this season, losing to teams in the lower third of the table.
Treasure Beach have slipped into the relegation zone after losing their last three matches by a 9-1 aggregate, and have won just once in their last 17 games. They are level on points with 12th-placed Molynes United, with just three points separating the teams in 11th to 13th.
There is also a tight race for third place, with Racing United, Portmore United and Waterhouse FC all on 56 points, separated only by goal difference.
Racing United will travel to face Montego Bay United, having picked up just five points from their last eight games and scoring only three times in that span. They face an MBU team that has won the most home games this season.
Montego Bay United are coming off a loss to Arnett Gardens but have won their last two home games, against Cavalier and Spanish Town Police, and will look to extend their unbeaten record against Racing United.
Portmore United will be away to Chapelton Maroons in a game that could be pivotal in the race for a play-off spot. A win for Portmore would move them closer to the top six while Chapelton could climb at least one place to seventh with a victory.
Waterhouse FC, who are 23 points and six places ahead of Harbour View, will be wary of their opponents who have clawed their way out of the relegation zone but remain in danger.
Harbour View’s Trayvon Reid leads the Golden Boot race with 21 goals and could again prove decisive.
Arnett Gardens could move into sixth place with a win over Molynes United, with both teams coming off big victories.
Arnett Gardens edged Montego Bay United, while Molynes United hammered Spanish Town Police 9-0 to climb out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Molynes will be confident, having beaten Arnett Gardens earlier this season.
Sunday’s games
•Treasure Beach vs Mount Pleasant FA @ STETHS 3:30 pm
•Tivoli Gardens vs Dunbeholden FC @ Edward Seaga Sports Complex 3:30 pm
•Montego Bay United vs Racing United @ Jarrett Park 3:30 pm
•Harbour View vs Waterhouse FC @ Harbour View 3:30 pm
•Chapelton Maroons vs Portmore United @ Turners Oval 3:30 pm
•Molynes United vs Arnett Gardens @ Constant Spring 3:30 pm
Monday’s game
Cavalier vs Spanish Town Police @ Stadium East 4:00 pm