The best and worst of RSPL - week 6

Molynes United

  They have been in the “Best” category since opening day for their impressive play but there were made to work for their sixth straight win of the season against a Mount Pleasant team that dominated the majority of the match. Despite the few opportunities the league leaders got, they only needed one to keep themselves atop of the standings. Molynes United are capable of better performances than what was shown on Sunday and coach Liyjasu Simms will be hoping that close encounters like Sunday’s game don’t become a habit, but it will bring him confidence knowing that his team has the ability to grind out results if they need to. It is one of the characteristics of a team that wants to be in the championship conversation.

Humble Lion

  Andrew Price finally got his first home win with Humble Lion while he served a touchline ban after being sent off in their last game against Harbour View. They are now in fourth place in the table and with their first home win finally under their belts they will hope that can keep getting points on the road when they travel to Royal Lakes to face Dunbeholden.

Arnett Gardens

  The congested table from third to 12th place has given teams an opportunity to make major moves forward and Arnett took advantage of theirs in a 2-0 win over Cavalier. They now rise to fifth place in the league table and the confidence from their victory will bode well ahead of a fierce battle with Waterhouse on Sunday.

Waterhouse

  Waterhouse made sure that their disappointment of being eliminated in the Concacaf League quarter-finals to Motagua didn’t carry over to league play as they closed the gap on leaders Molynes United with a 2-0 win away to UWI FC. By the time this is published their rescheduled game against Tivoli Gardens would have already been played and if they are able to earn victory as well, they would be in touching distance of first place. But they will be wary of an expected fierce battle with Arnett Gardens that will follow on Sunday.

Harbour View

  The 'Stars of the East' got back on track in a hard fought 1-0 victory against Dunbeholden in controversial circumstances when Mark Alves’ shot was ruled to have crossed the whole goal line. Despite the ensuing protests from the visitors, it was three points that Harbour View were glad to have. But they will need more than good fortune when league leading Molynes United travel to the Compound on Sunday night.

   WORST

  Cavalier SC

  The fact that Cavalier managed to outclass UWI FC in their last game with just 16 players available is a feat in itself. But they may now be feeling the effects of the injury bug. The youngsters are doing all they can but they came up short against Arnett Gardens. The first month of the season has been bad for technical director Rudolph Speid with injuries and illness to both players and manager. Speid is now hoping that they will be able to put their chaotic first month behind them. They face Mount Pleasant next Monday night hoping to get back to winning ways.

  Dunbeholden

  There will be much anger in the Dunbeholden camp after the controversial goal which handed Harbour View the win in their last match. Did the ball really cross over the line? They can complain all they want but they still need more players to get on the score sheet. Dean Andre Thomas hasn’t found the net in two straight games and they need more players to find the back of the net. The Best and Worst Committee is pretty sure they have heard this before.

  Mount Pleasant

  Had Mount Pleasant brought their shooting boots to Drewsland on Sunday, they would have registered their biggest win of the season by getting past league leaders Molynes United. They had the majority of chances. They hit the post twice in the first half alone. Instead, a deflected shot against the run of play doomed them to a defeat that coach Paul ‘Tegat’ Davis will see as a missed opportunity. If they can fine tune their execution, this team can cause problems. They will look to do so next Monday when they battle Cavalier SC.

  Vere United

  Vere United’s struggles show no signs of improving after another defeat, this time at the hands of Humble Lion which see them rooted to the bottom of the table. The good news is that the congested points table gives them an opportunity to vault right out of the relegation zone with a victory. Can their home game against Tivoli Gardens on Sunday be their launching pad to get out of danger?

  UWI FC

  We said last week that Waterhouse would take their chances if UWI FC failed to convert theirs . It came to pass and UWI FC have now lost back to back games, seeing them drop down to 10th place. It is getting very uncomfortable as they have been shut out four straight games now. Portmore United will be their next opponents and if things do not turn around soon, they may be changing their expectations from playoffs to survival.