Jostle for top spots begin in earnest

WITH THE first round of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) approaching its midway stage, a full slate of matches today is highlighted by the jostling of teams for the top places.

In the feature match, third-place Portmore (12 points) take on fifth-place and defending champions Cavalier (10 points) at Stadium East at 5:30 p.m. in the first of two games.

In the opener, Molynes go up against league leaders Montego Bay United (16 points) at 3 p.m.

Titleholders Cavalier have been nothing near the team they have been for the last few seasons.

Rudolph Speid’s team has already lost three matches, half the number they lost last term. Nevertheless, the dethroned Caribbean Cup champions have still managed to remain competitive, with three wins and a draw, to sit in a top-six spot.

Although they defeated Arnett, who were far from their best in the first game, Speid’s team has not done well against the traditional big teams, losing to Waterhouse and Mount Pleasant, while scoring wins against Treasure and Tivoli, who have struggled in this campaign.

While they have shown they are competitive enough to get results, they will have their work cut out against Portmore’s stubborn defence.

Last season, Portmore conceded the least number of goals — 25 goals in 39 preliminary-round matches — and this term they are at it again, with just three goals conceded in seven outings. Interestingly, all three goals came in one game, against Chapelton Maroons.

However, after their morale-boosting win over MoBay three rounds ago, Portmore have hit a snag with two consecutive draws against lowly Molynes and then Portmore rivals Racing.

Nevertheless, this will be a tactical affair, as both teams will want to do everything to avoid dropping points and falling down the table.

In the opening game, MoBay, the only team with five wins, will start overwhelming favourites.

After their blip against Portmore a couple weeks ago, Xavier Gilbert’s team has responded with wins over Spanish Town and Chapelton to re-establish themselves at the top of the standings, and will fancy a third straight win against a Molynes team yet to taste victory.

Although yet to get a win, Molynes have shown their competitiveness with five draws from their seven matches. And after coming from two goals down to earn a draw with Spanish Town Police, they will go into the game with some positivity.

At the Dunbeholden field, hosts Dunbeholden and Arnett are both looking to rebound after losing last week in what should be a competitive fixture.

Arnett were on a run of three straight victories when they unexpectedly faltered 2-1 to Treasure Beach, and coach Philip Williams said they aim to put that behind them as quickly as possible.

Although unbeaten, Mount Pleasant have one win in four games. However, coach Theodore Whitmore insisted their Caribbean Cup participation has no effect on their JPL form, noting that they just need to be tighter in defence when they host Chapelton at Drax Hall.

Chapelton still sit sixth on 10 points despite going winless in four, which include three defeats. However, coach Donovan Duckie said his team would have done some serious soul- searching in an effort to get their season back on track.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Today’s Games

Dunbeholden vs Arnett at Dunbeholden (3 p.m.)

Racing vs Spanish Town Police at Ferdi Neita Park (3 p.m.)

Mt Pleasant vs Chapelton at Drax Hall (3 p.m.)

Treasure Beach vs Waterhouse at STETHS (3 p.m.)

Tivoli vs Harbour View at Edward Seaga Complex (3 p.m.)

Molynes vs MoBay at Stadium East (3 p.m.)

Cavalier vs Portmore at Stadium East (5:30 p.m.)