JPL lead up for grabs as Cavalier face MBU

THE lead in the Jamaica Premier League will be at stake today when former champions Cavalier FC host Montego Bay United (MBU) at Turner’s Oval in Clarendon, starting at 3:30 pm. Just five games will be played this weekend, with three today and two more on Monday evening. The games involving defending champions Portmore United and Mount Pleasant FA have been postponed because of their commitments in the semi-finals of the Concacaf Caribbean Club competition. The other games today are Humble Lion against Chapelton Maroons at Effortville, and Dunbeholden against Molynes United at Dunbeholden Sports Complex. MBU are joint leaders with Waterhouse FC, both on 10 points from four games and separated by goal difference, while Cavalier are sixth on seven points from three games. MBU would move into sole possession of the lead with even a draw, ahead of Waterhouse who play on Monday, while with a win Cavalier would move into at least a tie for first place. Today’s game will be a repeat of last season’s semi-finals which Cavalier won after taking the second leg in extra time, ending a three-game losing streak against MBU. MBU have won their last two games by 1-0 margins, with Jourdaine Fletcher scoring in both victories against Racing United and Dunbeholden. However, Coach Javier Ainstein will be demanding that his team make better use of their scoring chances. MBU have scored only four goals in four games, and though they are yet to concede they struggled to put away lastplaced Dunbeholden at home last week. They were rescued by a penalty save from goalkeeper Davonnie Burton in the 88th minute. Once again, Ainstein will hope Fletcher can extend his scoring run, with Deonjay Brown and Dwight Merrick also looking to add to their tallies. Cavalier are also unbeaten, with two wins, and are coming off a draw against Mount Pleasant. They have conceded in every game played so far. Midfielder Adrian Reid, who gave them an early lead against Mount Pleasant, has scored twice so far and will hope to lead the team again today. Tenth-placed Chapelton will be looking for their second win when they take on Humble Lion who have one point from four games and have scored just two goals. Chapelton will be eager to rebound after their 6-0 defeat against Waterhouse last week, while Humble Lion will hope their point against Treasure Beach is the kick-start they need to win their first game since returning to the JPL. Molynes United and Dunbeholden have lost a combined seven games in their recent run of matches, and both will be desperate for a win today. Molynes have lost their last three games after opening the season with a win over Treasure Beach. They have been outscored 1-9 in their last three matches, including a 6-0 defeat against Racing United in their most recent game. Dunbeholden were unlucky not to get at least a point against MBU on Sunday, and if they can replicate that form today they could win for the first time this season.