Best and Worst – JPL week one

BEST

Portmore United

The defending champions got off to an ideal start to the season in their opener against Dunbeholden with an impressive 2-0 win. It gives them a good platform to build upon in their title defence.

Dwayne Atkinson

Former Kingston College standout Dwayne Atkinson made sure his presence was felt when he came on as a second-half substitute for Cavalier SC in their opener against Humble Lion. He managed to get on the scoresheet in spectacular fashion, with a long-range effort that fired into the top right-hand corner of the net. He also provided the assist to Courtney Allen, who made the points safe. Not a bad day for Atkinson who was named player of the round.

Oquassa Chong

Harbour View FC head coach Ludlow Bernard stressed that he will depend on his young players to step up and deliver this season. Oquassa Chong, who played on the Jamaica College team that won the Manning Cup in 2019, delivered with a brilliant free kick to equalise against Waterhouse in their opener. While the game ended in a 1-1 draw, Chong's strike was the highlight.

Tivoli Gardens

Tivoli may have managed a draw against Mount Pleasant but they should be credited for holding out when it seemed like fatigue from a shortened pre-season would be their undoing. Mount Pleasant had multiple chances in the game and while they didn't take advantage of them, Tivoli's defence held on as the team earned an important point.

WORST

Humble Lion

Humble Lion head coach Andrew Price said they could not keep up with Cavalier in the latter part of their season opener. The team will be ruing the one-on-one chance that Vishinul Harris had in the first half that went wide. Cavalier took advantage of the fatigue and won 2-0. Additionally, they will be without midfielder Andrew Vanzie who was sent off late in the game.

Mount Pleasant

While they drew 0-0 against Tivoli Gardens, head coach Paul Davis will not be pleased leaving so many chances on the table, especially against a team that was not as fit as them coming into the campaign. Against Humble Lion on Saturday, they will have to be more clinical as the last two games between the two sides have been decided by a goal.

Dunbeholden

Given the shortened season, Dunbeholden did not take advantage of their season opener, their only fixture against Portmore United on Sunday losing 2-0. They face a Waterhouse side on Saturday who they are winless against in their last four meetings, including two defeats. It will also be a time for both teams to honour the memory of Tremaine Stewart, former player of both teams who passed away in April.

Ambulance provider

Last Saturday's Jamaica Premier League opener had to be delayed for 20 minutes because the ambulance, a required for games, was not present at the designated start time, something that Professional Football Jamaica Limited boss Chris Williams called unacceptable.