LACOVIA, St Elizabeth — St Bess United could secure their place in the semi-finals of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Championships semi-finals today when they host Villa United in a return-round game at Lacovia Community Centre set to start at 3:30 pm.

St Bess United are unbeaten after two rounds and lead Group C with six points while Villa United, who they had beaten 2-1 in the first round, have lost both of their games played so far.

Only the winners of the groups will advance to the semi-finals, and a win for St Bess United today would put pressure on second-place Cross United to win both of their two remaining games and thus deny them safe passage.

There are three other games on Saturday as well — Madras FC of St Ann must beat WiFi United if they are to remain in contention in Group B while the battle for Group D will continue.

Madras FC are at the bottom of the group standings with one point and had lost 0-2 to WiFi in the first round, and anything but a win would see them lose their challenge for a semi-final spot.

A win for WiFi, however, would see them take over the lead from Gray's Inn SC who would have a game in hand.

Reggae Youths, who are in the play-offs for the second time, also need to win today and avenge their slim first-round loss to leaders Duanvale FC if their quest for the next round is to go on.

Duanvale FC lead with seven points, two more than Petersfield FC who are away to Sandy Bay and are yet to earn a point, with Reggae Youths on four points.

A win for Duanvale FC coupled with an expected win for Petersfield FC would effectively eliminate Reggae Youths for the second year running.

— Paul A Reid