Mt Pleasant take on Portmore in top-of-the-table clash
Published:Wednesday | January 17, 2024 | 12:12 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
IT WILL be first versus second when leaders Mount Pleasant square off against Portmore United in today’s round of games in the Wray & Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) at Ferdie Neita Park at 3 p.m.
Despite being separated by just a point, the teams have had contrasting form to date.
Mount Pleasant sit atop the standings with 28 points, while Portmore and Cavalier followed immediately with 27 each.
Mount Pleasant were perfect in their first six matches and led the league by seven points at one stage. However, they have won just three of their last seven, and their place at the top has become the most vulnerable it has been since the start of the season.
Defeat for the defending champions could usher in a new league leader for the first time this season. As a result, both Portmore and Cavalier will be hoping results go their way.
Portmore started their campaign with a defeat to the same opponents but racked up three straight wins afterwards.
However, they hit a slump after that and went four consecutive matches without a win.
Since then, the Philip Williams-coached team registered five consecutive wins on the trot, to climb from fifth to second in the table.
After ending the first round in fine style, Williams will expect his team to avenge their first-round defeat and keep its momentum.
Another enticing matchup takes place at the Drewsland Stadium at 4 p.m., where seventh-place Waterhouse host fifth-place Tivoli Gardens.
Tivoli surprised Waterhouse 3-0 in their first game, but with both teams well aware of what the other is capable of now, any number can play.
Waterhouse’s hot and cold form continues, with two losses, two draws and a win in their last five games but they will be highly motivated for this cross-town rivalry.
Tivoli were on a four-match unbeaten run when they lost to lowly Montego Bay United in their last outing, and coach Jerome Waite stressed the importance of winning their next match.
“Rebound is an understatement. So we just have to be focused and get the team ready again,” he stated.
“When the season started no one expected us to do so well but we still have much to do.”
Tivoli’s leading scorer Justin Dunn missed the last game with an injury and will be a welcome return for the West Kingston team.
He will be up against the league’s joint-leading scorer, Javane Bryan, who also has nine goals.
Third-place Cavalier and Harbour View meet in another interesting contest at the Anthony Spaulding Complex at 4:30 p.m. However, Cavalier will start as overwhelming favourites having defeated Harbour View four of the last five times they have met.