JPL: Racing hold MoBay at Ferdi Neita
Published:Monday | February 9, 2026 | 12:14 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Racing United prevent league leaders Montego Bay United from achieving the double against them this season, after they held the St James-based club to a 1-1 draw in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) top-of-the-table clash at Ferdi Neita Park yesterday.
Dwight Merrick scored a spectacular long-range shot in the 39th minute to give Montego Bay the lead, but Tajay Grant pulled Racing level four minutes later from the penalty spot.
Racing, whose only defeat this season came against Montego Bay in the first round, were determined not to give their opponents three points this time around and coach Anthony Patrick was pleased with the players’ efforts.
“The first 10 minutes we started out well. Then we realised Nikyle (Ellis) was in some pain and we had some problems. He fought hard going through the pain, but we had to pull him and in the latter part of the game. Montego Bay then took control, but we were resilient and got a point, and that was very important,” he commented.
Montego Bay had the better chances in the first half, the first of which came from the head of Deverow McKenzie from a corner, but goalkeeper Aaron Enill parried the effort. Timar Lewis had another great chance in the 30th minute but placed his effort wide of the mark.
However, the visitors went in front in the 38th minute, thanks to a fantastic long-range strike from Merrick, that hit the bar, rebounded on the line before rising into the roof of the net.
The home team did not need long to respond, as immediately from kick-off, Ellis raced through on a ball over the top and was brought down in the area by goalkeeper Devonnie Burton, resulting in a penalty, which Grant dispatched confidently to tie the score.
Racing looked more purposeful after the interval, and Shavaun Reid had the first opening, which he fired just over from the edge of the area.
Montego Bay slowly regained control of midfield and Kimani Airborne forced a spectacular save from Enill, with a curling effort to the back post.
Racing rallied after that period of pressure and Ellis had a golden opportunity after the ball was parried into his path by Burton, but the goalkeeper pulled off a brilliant second save to deny the midfielder.
Although disappointed not to get three points, Montego Bay’s head coach Xavier Gilbert was satisfied with the draw.
“We expected it to be tough. It’s two quality teams, and that’s why we are at the top. We definitely didn’t want to lose and I’m glad we didn’t, but in the first half we could have scored one or two more goals, and I thought that’s why we didn’t get three points after a fantastic goal like that.
“We just got caught napping immediately from the kick-off, and that why we have to concentrate for 90 minutes.”
YESTERDAY’S RESULTS
Dunbeholden 1-2 Waterhouse
Harbour View 1-1 Portmore
Molynes 0-0 Chapelton
Racing 1-1 Montego Bay
Tivoli 0-2 Arnett Gardens
Treasure Beach 0-0 Mount Pleasant