The Jamaica Premier League witnessed a significant shift in its standings this Sunday as defending champions Cavalier SC suffered a dramatic fall from the top six following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Portmore United at Ferdie Neita Park. This result marks their third consecutive loss, a stark contrast to their championship form.
The league’s narrative was dominated by consistent performances from the top contenders and a series of impactful individual displays. League leaders Montego Bay United fortified their position at the summit with a commanding 3-0 victory over Molynes United at Jarrett Park, extending their impressive winning streak to six matches. The victory propels them to 45 points, establishing a formidable seven-point cushion over their nearest rivals.
That nearest rival, Racing United, showcased resilience by overturning a halftime deficit to secure a 3-1 win against Spanish Town Police FC. This victory was crucial in snapping their own run of three consecutive draws, with Tajay Grant emerging as the hero by netting a second-half double.
Portmore United’s decisive moment arrived in the 68th minute through a goal from Tarick Ximines, which not only secured three points but also ended their pattern of three straight draws. This win elevates them to 36 points, while simultaneously condemning Cavalier to seventh place with 26 points, albeit with two games in hand.
Elsewhere, Mount Pleasant FA delivered a 2-0 defeat to Chapelton Maroons, who are now sharing Cavalier’s plight of a three-game losing streak. Raheem Edwards was instrumental in the victory, scoring a brace with goals in the first and 81st minutes.
The late fixture saw Waterhouse FC capitalize on Cavalier’s misfortune, officially replacing them in the top six after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Treasure Beach FC. The match was influenced by a first-half red card shown to Treasure Beach’s Richard Brown in the 32nd minute, with Colorado Murray converting a second-half penalty to seal the victory for Waterhouse.
In a thrilling encounter at the Anthony Spaulding Complex, Harbour View FC and Tivoli Gardens played to an entertaining 2-2 draw. This match marked Lenworth Hyde’s debut as coach of Harbour View, who demonstrated tenacity by coming from behind twice. Nickalia Fuller’s double for Tivoli was ultimately neutralized by goals from Roshawn Oldfield and a dramatic late equalizer from substitute Oquassa Chong deep into second-half stoppage time.