Maroons one point away from semi-finals of JFF Tier Two
CHAPLETON, Clarendon — At least one more team can book their place in the semi-finals of the Jamaica Football Federation National Tier Two competition today as the regular season nears a close as second-placed Chapleton Maroons need only a point from their home game against Downs YC to advance.
Leaders Faulkland FC booked their semi-final place on Saturday and with just two games left to be played,d at least five other teams are still mathematically in the race for the other three spots.
Faulkland FC leads with 23 points, three more than Chapleton, followed by Falmouth United and Treasure Beach on 16 each with Baptist Alliance and Tru Juice both on 14 points.
Chapleton Maroons had got off to fast start, winning their first five games but have struggled in their last four, earning just five points from a possible 15 and have scored five times after scoring 15 in their first five outings.
The Lenworth Hyde-coached team is coming off their first loss of the season, edged 1-0 by Tru Juice on Saturday and must get a result today if they are to avoid a last-round scramble.
Downs YC are winless in their last five, earning one point over the span and are not expected to put up much of a fight today and Chapleton will be hoping top scorer Kaheim Dixon can add to his tally of seven goals scored so far.
Both Falmouth United and Treasure beach can significantly improve their odds of making it to the semi-finals if they can win against Baptist Alliance and Faulkland FC, respectively, today but they will have a big task ahead of them.
Falmouth United have turned around their fortunes after a sluggish start, winning their last four games and scoring 20 goals in the process but faces a Baptist Alliance team that are just two points adrift and will have semi-final ambitions as well.
Baptist Alliance have not lost at home at York Sports Complex all season, taking three win and a draw, earning 10 of their 14 points and have scored 11 of their 19 goals at home.
Falmouth United are on a roll however and their confidence will be high that they can make it five wins in a row and will hope that Patrick Shecklude, who was kept off the score sheet in their 2-0 win over Treasure Beach on Saturday, will get back to his scoring ways.
The Falmouth United team appears able to manufacture goals and will hope the veteran Leon Irving, Kemar Reid and Charles Grant will be able to step up.
Lascel Alexander and Rohan Brown have scored four goals each for the St Thomas team and will be expected to lead the charge today.
Treasure Beach will have their hands full against Faulkland in St James especially as they will also be without their influential Captain Jordan Nembhard who was sent off against Falmouth United on Saturday.
Back-to-back losses would be a massive blow to the St Elizabeth team’s semi-final hopes, but they will hope to find a relaxed Faulkland FC team that have already secured a place in the next stage.
Faulkland FC, however, will have their sights set on topping the tables and a win will be on their minds.
Tru Juice FC will also be chomping at the bit to face Lime Hall Academy, as they are coming off a win over Chapleton, earned a 3-3 draw away to Faulkland FC and held Treasure Beach to a 0-0 draw, positive results against the top three teams in the competition at the time.
Lime Hall are in ninth place on nine points with only pride to play for but will be home and are coming off a win over Albion Mountain.
Today’s games
Baptist Alliance vs Falmouth United- York Sports Complex
Faulkland FC vs Treasure Beach- Wespow Park
Portlanders FC vs Wadada United- Lynch Park
Chapleton Maroons vs Downs YC- Turner’s Field
Albion Mountain vs Hopewell United- Westmoreland Oval
Lime Hall Academy vs Tru Juice FC- Drax Hall
*All matches start at 3:30 pm.