JPL Best and Worst Week 13

BEST

FAULKLAND FC

It took them 13 games, but Faulkland FC finally got their first win in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) in their second Monday night match of the campaign. They won the battle of the bottom two teams, edging Chapelton Maroons 1-0 as they welcomed the return of Gregory Palmer to the sidelines as Faulkland's head coach. The man that led them to promotion last season is looking to have the same magic in saving them from relegation. Palmer has 13 games left to set things right as the second round begins this weekend.

TRIVANTE STEWART

Trivante Stewart's potent striking ability was evident when he was a Molynes United player. Now at Mount Pleasant, he is doing it consistently and has shown why he is one of the feared strikers in the league. Stewart defeated Dunbeholden singlehandedly, netting a hat-trick in Mount Pleasant's 3-0 win, extending their lead at the top of the table to four points, and Stewart is now the sole Golden Boot leader with 13 goals.

NAKEEL STEWART

Tivoli Gardens may not have gotten the result they wanted in their West Kingston derby clash with Arnett Gardens but their young attacker Nakeel Stewart produced a goal-of-the-season contender, rifling a shot from way outside the box past goalkeeper Asher Hutchingson. Tivoli would end up losing the game 2-1 but Stewart has a goal to remember against their rivals.

WORST

HARBOUR VIEW AND VERE

The fact that Harbour View FC have now only won one game in their last five and Vere United have now won back-to-back games for the first time this season is a footnote to the brawl that took place in their match last Sunday. The greater part of the scrutiny is directed at defending champions Harbour View. Their physical trainer was sent off for arguing with the fourth official, and the manager was accosted by lawmen, making their supporters even more irate. Harbour View's goalkeeper David Martin allegedly verbally and physically attacked the Gleaner reporter recording the scene. It is far from unacceptable, it is abhorrent. Sanctions must be swift and serious to ensure no repeat of this incident. Harbour View are already struggling and the incident has made their title defence even more turbulent.

DUNBEHOLDEN

Dunbeholden did not have any answers to contain Mount Pleasant's Trivante Stewart who singlehandedly torched the defence in their 3-0 defeat by the league leaders. While it has not been the start that last season's finalists envisioned, after the first round, they are still in the play-off places in sixth place with 19 points, and how they start the second half of the season will be an indicator of whether or not they have another championship chase in them.

CHAPELTON MAROONS

Clovis de Oliveira, on his arrival to Chapelton as their new head coach, said that he needs time to get his philosophy across. His first game in charge ended in a 1-0 defeat to strugglers Faulkland FC. Oliveira has 13 games to save Chapelton from the drop, and time is a luxury that they don't have. The six-point penalty makes every game from now on a cup final, if they are to salvage their season.