Dunbeholden, MoBay face off in coaches’ ‘final’
Published:Wednesday | March 20, 2024 | 12:11 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
THE BATTLE for the top six in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) takes centre stage again in today’s rescheduled matches, with sixth-place Dunbeholden facing eighth-place Montego Bay United at the Dunbeholden field at 3:30 p.m. in a game both coaches are calling a final.
With four rounds to go, only three points separate sixth from eighth, with Dunbeholden leading that race on 34 points, ahead of Waterhouse and MoBay, both tied on 31.
MoBay are unbeaten in their last six matches, with three wins and three draws. However, those draws came against leaders Mount Pleasant, Portmore United, who are unbeaten in 16 matches, and third-place Arnett Gardens, all difficult matches in their own right.
MoBay coach, Neider Dos Santos, said his team understands the importance of this fixture, and said they only have one intention in mind.
“This is a final for us. So far it is the most important match of the season for MoBay United. We have to go for a win, this is an all (must) win match,” said Dos Santos.
“It will be a difficult match. Dunbeholden is a good team. We are playing away, which becomes even more difficult, but we have to go for a win.
BIG RACE
“Four matches remain. We are three points behind Dunbeholden and tied with Waterhouse. So it’s a big race between the teams and we have to win. We go to win that match.”
Dunbeholden also come into the game with no defeats in their last six matches, with three wins and draws, the same as their opponents.
Hyde said his team’s main objective is to win and separate themselves from their rivals.
“It’s a very important game. We are taking it like a final. We are three points in front of them and we want to stay in the top six, so we have to try and win this match.
“It’s going to be tough. MoBay’s playing good of late. But we want to win. We don’t want to drop any points. If the draw comes we will take it. But we definitely want to win to separate ourselves.
“Waterhouse is playing Treasure Beach and if we slip up they can get closer, so we have to try and get the victory,” he said.
Meanwhile, Waterhouse will be hoping for a favourable result between those two, knowing that a win over Treasure Beach at STETHS would help them close the gap.
The last time the teams met, Waterhouse ran out 4-1 winners but Treasure Beach have shown some improvement since a coaching change and could cause some problems at home.
At Drax Hall 2022 champions and 12th-place Harbour View (19) will try to break a six-match losing run when they tackle last-place Lime Hall, who have lost their last five and nine of their last 10 matches.
Fifth-place Tivoli (42) will start favourites against the very competitive Molynes United at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, as will leaders Mount Pleasant (49) against 10th-place Vere United (22) at Wembley Centre of Excellence.
All games start at 3:30 p.m.