Group D leaders Lucea and Coopers Pen will meet at Trelawny Stadium today with first place in the group at stake in the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) National Championships qualifying competition.

The competition, which will provide two qualifiers to the JFF Championships for the 2026-27 season, is expected to become more competitive as teams battle for the four group winners’ spots available in the next round.

Lucea, seeking to become the first Hanover team to qualify for the championships, will be aiming to complete a season sweep of Coopers Pen after winning their first meeting 2-1.

The Hanover champions lead the group with seven points, one more than Coopers Pen, who have won their last two games.

A Lucea loss could allow Faulkland United to move ahead if they beat Russia at Llandilo Sports Complex.

Faulkland United started the competition among the favourites but have managed only one win so far, a 3-0 victory over Russia in their first meeting. They have taken just one point from their last two matches after losing to Coopers Pen and drawing 3-3 with Lucea on Wednesday.

In Group A, leaders Cedar Grove will seek a win over York United after the teams played out a scoreless draw in their first meeting.

A victory for Cedar Grove would open a five-point lead at the top, while York United can move into first place with their first win of the competition.

Mile Gully can move to the top of Group C if they beat Vineyard, who are still without a point.

Group B has been reduced to a two-team race after Portlanders withdrew from the competition, leaving Kings Academy and Axum tied on four points.

— Paul A Reid

Today’s games

York United vs Cedar Grove — York Sports Complex

Vineyard vs Mile Gully — Vineyard Community Centre

Coopers Pen vs Lucea — Trelawny Stadium

Russia vs Faulkland United — Llandilo Sports Complex

Wednesday’s results

Brown’s Town 1, Cedar Grove 2

Kings Academy 3, Portlanders 0

Lucea 3, Faulkland United 3

Russia 1, Coopers Pen 3