Three locked into sixth-place race face must-win JPL games
Published:Sunday | March 24, 2024 | 12:10 AMLivingston Scott - Gleaner Writer
THE RACE for the sixth and final play-off spot in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) continues to take centre stage this weekend, with another match between two direct rivals – Dunbeholden and Waterhouse.
Both teams are locked on 34 points, with Dunbeholden losing a crucial match-up against Montego Bay United. The game ended 2-0.
Dunbeholden came into the last round leading the pack for sixth, as they sat on 34 points, while Waterhouse and MoBay were three behind on 31.
However, Dunbeholden’s defeat and MoBay and Waterhouse’s wins, saw Waterhouse climb to sixth on goal difference, with MoBay seventh, while Dunbeholden dropped to eighth in the standings.
The race is far from over. But victory for either Waterhouse or Dunbeholden today would put them in a favourable position with three games to go in the second round.
Dunbeholden will now have to do things the hard way after losing at home to give up their play-off spot. They will have to get three points against a direct challenger for sixth away from home.
Dunbeholden should be buoyed by the return of leading scorer, Nicholas Nelson, who missed the last two games through injury. Lenworth Hyde’s team should fancy their chances against a Waterhouse side that has not won back-to-back games all season.
Although Waterhouse have not been winning consistently, they have only lost once in their last six matches, with three wins to show in the process.
However, their inability to win two games in a row might come to haunt them in this game, unless they can create an anomaly and score two straight wins for the first time.
If Waterhouse and Dunbeholden draw, a win for Montego Bay United at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex would push them to sixth.
If Waterhouse win, MoBay would remain seventh even if they win too.
If Dunbeholden win and MoBay win, then the latter would also climb into sixth.
Whatever the case, defeat for any of the three on Sunday will be detrimental to their play-off ambitions.
The other big game on Sunday will see leaders Mount Pleasant entertaining Arnett Gardens at Drax Hall.
In their first-round meeting, Arnett ran out 2-0 winners, and that was the last time Mount Pleasant tasted defeat, 12 matches ago. Mount Pleasant should be highly motivated for this one.
Fourth-place Arnett had hit a mini-slump after losing to Tivoli seven matches ago. However, Xavier Gilbert’s team has rediscovered its zest in recent weeks, with three wins in four outings.
Both teams boast some of the league’s most exciting players, including Kimoni Bailey, Daniel Green, Shaquile Bradford, Devonte Campbell and Demar Phillips of Mount Pleasant, while Arnett have the deceptive Rushike Kelson, Kaheim Dixon, Fabian Reid, Shai Smith and Chevany Willis.
Portmore United will start favourites against Vere, even though they are away from home. Still, Vere are not an easy team to beat at the Wembley Centre of Excellence, which should make this game very interesting.
In the day’s other fixture, Cavalier are expected to get the better of Treasure Beach, who have already been relegated.
Mount Pleasant lead the table on 50 points, while Tivoli, Portmore, Arnett and Cavalier, respectively, follow on 45 points each.
Waterhouse, MoBay, and Dunbeholden are next on the table with 34 points each.