Tivoli Gardens’ play-off hopes were shattered as they crashed 1-5 to Montego Bay United, while Molynes United moved away from the relegation zone with a 2-1 win over Racing United as the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League continued on Wednesday.

Tivoli Gardens, which started the day eight points off the last play-off spot, remained in 10th position and face a mountain to climb to make it into the top six with three games remaining. They can only reach 53 points, which would not be good enough.

Tivoli’s cause was not helped as they conceded an own goal in the first minute of play by Denville Watson that opened the floodgates for Montego Bay at Jarrett Park.

Despite Anthony Nelson pulling Tivoli Gardens level in minute 37, Montego Bay never relented and were well in control by half time with goals from Malachi Sterling (42nd) and in-form Deonjay Brown (45th).

Brown grabbed his second goal in the 85th minute before Brazilian Lucas Lima Correa put the icing on the cake, scoring in the 90th minute, pushing Montego Bay to 71 points, as they opened up a nine-point lead atop the table.

At Ferdie Neita Park, Molynes United took a step towards safety from relegation with a 2-1 win over Racing United. Molynes are up to 36 points in 11th spot and are five points above the relegation zone.

Gerald Neil Jnr opened the scoring in the 52nd minute before Roshawn Livingston doubled their lead in minute 62. Tajay Grant pulled one back for Racing United in added time, as they stayed in fifth spot on 56 points. A win would have seen them book their playoff spot.

Meanwhile, there will be five games on Thursday, with a crucial playoff battle between Cavalier and Arnett Gardens at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex highlighting the set of games. Cavalier are holding onto the last playoff spot, sitting in sixth on 52 points and being chased by Arnett Gardens in seventh on 46 points.

With four sets of games remaining, this is a must-win game for Arnett Gardens if they are to make the playoffs, sitting six points adrift of Cavalier. A win would close that gap to just three points but Cavalier would still have their destiny in their own hands.

Chapelton Maroon are also in the hunt for a play-off spot as they currently sit on 46 points in eighth spot ahead of their assignment at Drax Hall starting at 7:00 pm. However, their task is much more difficult, as they face a Mount Pleasant team, which is now in second spot on 62 points and will be giving nothing away as they hunt top spot.

While teams are fighting for playoff spots, some are battling for survival in the league and Spanish Town Police can be officially relegated today if they lose to Portmore United and Harbour View beat Dunbeholden.

Spanish Town will host Portmore United in their match at Royal Lakes Field starting at 3:30 pm, sitting at the bottom of the league in 14th spot on 26 points.

Harbour View are on 33 points in 12th place, and are well aware of the importance of beating a Dunbeholden team in ninth spot on 45 points. A defeat for Harbour View and a Spanish Town Police win would set up an intriguing last three games.

Another team in a relegation dog fight is Treasure Beach in 13th spot on 31 points. They face a Waterhouse team which is in fourth spot on 59 points having already secured their play-off spot and could capitalise if they are complacent.