Points squeeze hits top JPL teams

Jamaica Premier League (JPL) leaders Montego Bay United had their four-match unbeaten run snapped by Arnett Gardens midweek and coach Xavier Gilbert is expecting another difficult match when they face third-place Racing United at Jarrett Park at 3:30 p.m. today.

MoBay (65 points) are nine points clear of Racing in the standings. Although Racing have kept themselves in third, Portmore and Waterhouse have gained much ground on the St Catherine club, with all three now sitting on 56 points and only separated by goal difference.

Gilbert is well aware that their opponents, are eyeing a top-two spot and are desperate for a win to maintain their place in the standings.

“It’s the business end of the season and everybody is gunning for points. Everybody is sharpening up and doing different things and, of course, when they are playing the leaders, everybody sharpens up. Everybody is motivated,” he said.

“Racing will come for us. Everybody is trying to get into the top two, those in the top half. They know if they defeat us where it would put them and we are mindful of that.”

According to Gilbert, MoBay’s ambitions are no different and said it’s important they avoid a second straight defeat.

“We have to bounce back and get back to business. We dropped points (last game) but the teams below us only gained one point, so that was a plus for us.

“We are going to take care of business ourselves and that’s what we are focused on. We want to solidify our place in the top two. So we know we have to avoid defeat.

“Hopefully, we can come out and execute as best as possible to secure maximum points or not allow Racing to get three points.”

Racing coach Anthony Patrick, though not overly perturbed by his team’s six-match winless run, said their last defeat was a ‘wake-up call’ and that defensive liabilities are costing them points.

“I think they (players) are getting comfortable. When I speak with the team, I see they are getting a little above themselves.

“The loss shook them. It’s a wake-up call. We keep making mistakes at the back and something has to give. So we will get real drastic with them to fix things going forward,” he said.

In another interesting fixture, Chapelton Maroons will look to maintain their unbeaten run against Portmore this season, but will have their eyes set more on getting three points.

Chapelton are eighth in the table but are level on 46 points with seventh-place Arnett, both of whom will be hoping for a win and for sixth-place Cavalier (49) to slip up.

Portmore will be hoping MoBay can do a number on Racing, so they can take advantage with a win to move further up the table.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

Today’s Games

Treasure Beach vs Mount Pleasant at STETHS

Tivoli vs Dunbeholden at Edward Seaga Sports Complex

MoBay vs Racing at Jarrett Park

Harbour View vs Waterhouse at Harbour View Stadium

Chapelton vs Portmore at Turners Oval

Molynes vs Arnett at Constant Spring Sports Complex

All games begin at 3:30 p.m.