MoBay tighten grip on Jamaica Premier League

League leaders Montego Bay United (MBU) tightened their grip on the Jamaica Premier League pole position with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Dunbeholden FC at Jarrett Park, extending their lead at the top of the standings.

The win lifted MBU to 57 points, moving eight points clear of second-placed Mount Pleasant.

Elsewhere, Waterhouse FC delivered a dominant 4-0 win over Molynes United to stay fifth on 46 points, while Portmore United settled for a 1-1 draw with Treasure Beach. Portmore remain fourth on 48 points, level with Racing United but trailing on goal difference. Treasure Beach, meanwhile, remain in 11th place with 28 points as the battle for positioning across the table intensifies.

In an electrifying encounter, MBU showcased their attacking strength in first-time added-time through Malachi Sterling to lead Dunbeholden FC in a seven-goal contest. Shakeen Powell levelled from the penalty spot. MBU’s Richardo Ramsey dribbled past his markers to put the winners ahead in the 64th and completed his brace in the 65th.

Powell completed a brace in the 71st minute before his teammate, substitute Stephen Barnett, pulled back another goal to equalise in the 77th. MBU came roaring back through Dwight Merrick, who hammered the winning goal in the 83rd minute.

Xavier Gilbert, coach of MBU, said to become a championship team, the team emphasises the need to maintain composure.

“I thought we made the game a little bit more difficult, but credit must be given to them, too. They came at us, but there are some simple mistakes we made. We just got indiscipline in terms of areas where we’re supposed to play. We just weren’t playing in those areas; things that we’re supposed to do, we just didn’t do,” Gilbert said, noting that some players let the emotions of the moment get the better of them.

“You got to keep your head and be smart. If we want to be a championship team, we got to learn to hold our cool.

Meanwhile, Byjeon Thomas, coach of Dunholden, said the team showed great spirit and determination, coming back from a 3-1 deficit.

“It was a competitive game. I have to commend my lads for their spirited show. We conceded right before the half and we came out and applied ourselves. We went three-one down at one point, and we came back,” said Thomas.

“We could see that we wanted to fight, and wanted to do our best today. I just have to commend them for that and congratulate MBU on their win,” added Thomas.

MBU ended the game with 14 shots to Dunbeholden’s four.

YESTERDAY’S RESULTS

Treasure Beach 2-2 Portmore

Molynes 0-4 Waterhouse

Cavaliers vs Mount Pleasant (Postponed)