Best and worst of RSPL week 20

Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant managed to set things right after their defeat to Cavalier at Drax Hall by putting away struggling UWI FC 3-0 at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Monday. Kemar Beckford closed the gap on the golden boot standings, adding a brace in the victory, and is now two goals behind leader Dean-Andre Thomas of Dunbeholden. Additionally, combined with Waterhouse's defeat at Cavalier, the lead at the top of the table is now reduced to one point. Mount Pleasant's first game of 2020 against Vere United could see them take the top spot for the first time this season.

Cavalier SC

Cavalier maintained their top-six position after securing a 1-0 win over Waterhouse on Sunday, extending their unbeaten run against the league leaders to 10 games. Although they have had to deal with squad-depth issues for the majority of the season so far, they have managed back-to-back wins against the top two teams in the league to close out 2019 after slumping to back-to-back defeats in early December. They are expected to lose two more players from their ranks when the transfer window opens, but technical director Rudolph Speid believes in his young players to step up to the challenge. They will face playoff challengers Dunbeholden on Sunday.

Dean-Andre Thomas

Dunbeholden's star striker only had four goals last season. He moved his tally from 10 to 12 in the campaign thanks to his brace in Dunbeholden's 3-2 win over Molynes United. It has been a breakout year for the 24-year-old who has set himself a target of 27 goals before the season is out. It is also a big boost for the club, which is now two points away from the playoff places. They will host Cavalier, their nearest challengers for the playoffs positions, on Sunday at Royal Lakes.

Harbour View

Harbour View managed to stabilise their home form with a 1-0 win over defending champions Portmore United. The win is their fifth at the Compound this season, and they managed to end their two-game losing streak to move to 26 points, two points adrift of the playoff places. They will have a tough three-game stretch to improve their league position, beginning with facing Tivoli Gardens at the Edward Seaga Complex before a two-game set with Mount Pleasant at the Harbour View Stadium.

Molynes United

Molynes United seemed to have turned a corner, defeating Waterhouse on December 23, but took two steps back after being beaten by Dunbeholden 3-2 at the Constant Spring Field on Sunday. Club chairman Eurado Cornwall said poor preparation after the holiday period led to the result. Molynes now remain in 10th place with 23 points although they are eight points ahead of the drop zone. Cornwall said that he would look to boost the team's attacking options in the transfer window this month.

Waterhouse

Waterhouse have been consistent so far this season, but they have now hit a blip. They suffered back-to-back losses for the first time this season after being clipped 1-0 by Cavalier. Combined with Mount Pleasant's 3-0 win over UWI on Monday, their lead atop the standing has now been cut to a point. It is the first time that their position has looked vulnerable all season, and they need to ensure that they stop bleeding points. They may have better luck when they host UWI FC on Sunday, but they have to be mindful of teams in desperate situations.

UWI FC

UWI FC's situation has now reached dire levels after being battered 3-0 by Mount Pleasant in the final Monday night game of 2019. The Andrew Peart-coached team are now eight points from safety and the gap seems to be getting bigger and insurmountable with each passing week. Their home record is the worst in the league as they have only managed to win once at the UWI Mona Bowl so far, and their away form is just as poor, accumulating seven points from 10 games. Whether they need to get active in the transfer market or need a new tactical approach, they need to register wins, and quickly, if they are to stand any chance of avoiding the drop. They travel to Drewsland to face league leaders Waterhouse, hoping for a win to begin 2020.

Humble Lion

In a battle of two playoff contenders looking to improve their positions, Humble Lion were stunned 2-1 by Arnett Gardens thanks to a late winner from Vishinul Harris. The Andrew Price -coached team were forced to play with 10 men after Gregory Lewis was shown a straight red in the 30th minute of the game although they did manage to get an equaliser in the 75th minute, benefiting from Arnett's being down to 10 men themselves when Michael Webb was shown his second yellow. But they could not preserve the point and their unbeaten December form. They travel to the Spanish Town Prison Oval to face defending champions Portmore United hoping that 2020 sees a change in their away form this weekend.