KINGSTON, Jamaica — Molynes United continued to move away from the relegation zone in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) after beating a slumping Racing United 2-1 in their third round game played at Ferdie Neita Park on Wednesday.

Molynes United’s third straight win took them to 11th place on 36 points, five points above the drop zone, while delivering a massive blow to Racing United’s hopes of qualifying for the play-offs.

At Jarrett Park, leaders Montego Bay United moved to within a point of securing a top two spot and an automatic semi-final berth after hammering Tivoli Gardens 5-1.

After Wednesday’s results Portmore United and Waterhouse FC, both on 59 points, joined Montego Bay United and Mt Pleasant FA as qualifiers for the play-offs.

After a 0-0 first half scoreline, Molynes took the lead in the 52nd minute when Junior Neil scored and Rashawn Livingston doubled the advantage 10 minutes later.

Tajay Grant gave Racing hope when he scored three minutes into time added on but the St Catherine club was reduced to 10 players after Nickyle Ellis was sent off two minutes later.

Racing United are now winless in their last eight games and have fallen from third place to fifth but need just a win to secure their place in the top six.

Montego Bay United ran riot against Tivoli Gardens at Jarrett Park, going ahead in the first minute via an own goal.

Anthony Nelson equalised for Tivoli Gardens in the 38th minute but Malachi Sterling restored the home team’s lead in the 43rd minute before Deonjay Brown scored a third a minute into time added at the end of the first-half.

Montego Bay United scored two late goals with Brian Brown scoring in the 85th minute and Lucas Lima in the 90th minute to claim their 21st win of the season.

Wednesday’s Results:

Racing United-1, Molynes United-2

Montego Bay United-5, Tivoli Gardens-1

Thursday’s games:

Spanish Town Police vs Portmore United-Royal Lakes Complex 3:30pm

Dunbeholden FC vs Harbour View-Drewsland 4:30pm

Waterhouse FC vs Treasure Beach FC- Drewsland 7:00pm

Mt Pleasant FA vs Chapelton Maroons- Drax Hall 7:00pm

Arnett Gardens FC vs Cavalier- Anthony Spaulding Complex 7:00pm

— Paul A Reid