The Reggae Boyz Nations League fixture against Honduras at the National Stadium on Monday has forced organisers to complete all matches in this round of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) today.
As a result, the feature clash between Racing and Montego Bay United at Drewsland Stadium, originally set for Monday, has been brought forward to today, along with Waterhouse versus Treasure Beach at the same venue.
League leaders Racing face fourth-place MoBay at 5:05 p.m., followed by Waterhouse against Treasure Beach at 8 p.m.
Another enticing matchup sees Cavalier hosting Arnett Gardens at Turners Oval at 3:30 p.m.
Racing underwent significant operational changes over the summer, with new Trinidadian investors and a strong Trinidad influence on the technical and playing staff. Still, attacking duo Tajay Grant (three goals) and Nickyle Ellis remain key, having scored all four of the team’s goals this season. Grant netted the winner in last weekend’s 1-0 victory over Mount Pleasant, and their credentials will again be tested against one of the strongest squads on paper.
MoBay, meanwhile, are coming off a draw with newcomers Tru-Juice, who have started brightly, but the St James club have big ambitions and will be eager to return to winning ways.
In the second game, hosts Waterhouse will be chasing back-to-back wins after a 5-0 demolition of Humble Lion. Despite the scoreline, coach Donovan Duckie demanded more intensity.
“We did well in the opening 15 minutes but after that we took our foot off the gas and I was not too impressed with the intensity afterwards,” Duckie said. “What we have to do is stay focused, stay humble. We got some goals but it is important we focus on our next action, which is our next game.”
Treasure Beach, however, have struggled to close out matches. They squandered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 against Molynes and wasted numerous chances in a 1-1 draw with Tivoli. Coach Kemar Ricketts insists his team must improve quickly to maximise points.
At Turners Oval, Cavalier and Arnett both enter with three points. Arnett, who have played one more game, impressed with a 3-0 win over Dunbeholden. Assistant coach Fabian Taylor praised the impact of their young talent.
“We have a set of boys that we brought up from the under-20 into the senior team and it’s really bearing fruit. Game after game these boys are going to improve and do special things this season,” Taylor said.
After their early exit from the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, Cavalier now turn their focus domestically and will be aiming for two wins from two against the ‘Junglists’.
Meanwhile, defending champions and Caribbean Cup semifinalists Portmore United make their season debut against Humble Lion at Ferdi Neita Park at 3:30 p.m. Rodolph Austin’s side is expected to start strongly against the promoted club, who have struggled early.
Humble Lion coach Davian Meggo admitted his team must learn quickly. “At this level when you make mistakes you will be punished. We made some simple mistakes and we were punished, but we have to believe and put in the energy and the effort. We have to go back, look at the mistakes we made and learn quick and fast,” he said.
At Dunbeholden Sports Complex, Mount Pleasant will attempt to earn their first point of the season against hosts Dunbeholden, who are also winless.
livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com
Today’s Games
Portmore vs Humble Lion at Ferdi Neita Park
Cavalier vs Arnett at Turners Oval
Dunbeholden vs Mount Pleasant at Dunbeholden
Tivoli vs Chapelton at Edward Seaga Complex
Molynes vs Tru-Juice at Stadium East
Racing vs MoBay at Drewsland (5:05 p.m.)
Waterhouse vs Treasure Beach at Drewsland (8 p.m.)
Games begin at 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise specified
