Montego Bay remain on top in JPL

Montego Bay United remained on top of the standings in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) after a 1-0 win against Dunbeholden at Jarrett Park yesterday.

It was their first win at the new venue since the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa forced a move from the Montego Bay Sports Complex. Owayne Gordon hit home from the penalty spot in the 77th minute minute to earn all three points for the league leaders.

Head coach Xavier Gilbert was happy with the win but wants to see more from his team.

"I don't think we executed as we should in and around the penalty area. Nevertheless, it's good to finally get a win at Jarrett Park, so I am happy about that," said Gilbert.

Over in St Ann, Racing United FC's head coach Anthony Patrick said he had to rotate the squad and manage minutes for players recently called up to the national team to keep those players fresh during their clash against hosts Mount Pleasant Academy.

Racing United rallied from a goal down to earn a 1-1 draw against Caribbean Cup champions Mount Pleasant, spoiling the hosts' first home outing of the new year.

"I know the intensity of the game was going to be very high. We implemented a low-defensive block in the first half and prepared to increase pressing and attack in the second half to wear down the opponents," said Patrick.

Two of the players kept back for the second half were Nickyle Ellis and Kadean Young.

"The strategy was to give them a break after being called up to the national team with the intensity of the training being very high," added Patrick.

The draw keeps Racing United back in second on of the standings with 29 points, three less than league leaders Montego Bay. Portmore United remain in third with 27 points after a 0-0 draw with Chapelton Maroons, while Mount Pleasant are fourth with 24 points.

In a highly intensity clash at Drax Hall, Mount Pleasant broke the deadlock through Jeudy Johnson in the 54th minute. Racing United's Tajay Grant equalised with a header in the 68th minute after a beautiful assist from Chavany Willis.

Theodore 'Tappa' Whitmore, head coach of Mount Pleasant, said the focus moving forward is on improving in the final third of the game.

"I think defensively we were solid but we gave up a goal. We left the marker at the back post to head home. I think we dominated the proceedings but our main aim is to sort out the final third," said Whitmore.

Yesterday's results

Portmore United 0-0 Chapelton

MBU 1- 0 Dunbeholden

Mount Pleasant 1-1 Racing United

Molynes 1- 2 Treasure Beach