Tru-Juice FC target top JPL spot in derby clash with Portmore United

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Newcomers Tru-Juice FC will be chasing a return to the top of the Legend Jamaica Premier League standings when they face defending champions Portmore United in a historic St Catherine derby at Ferdie Neita Park Sunday. Tru-Juice, who were displaced at the summit by Waterhouse FC last weekend, are second on 17 points from eight games and will be seeking a fourth consecutive victory against a Portmore team that sits seventh on 10 points. The encounter will be the first time the two St Catherine clubs meet at this level, adding another dimension to what promises to be an intriguing contest. Also Sunday, former champions Mount Pleasant FA will officially open their new facilities in Runaway Bay, St Ann, when they host Tivoli Gardens, while Anthony Patrick returns to the Premier League dugout as he takes charge of Molynes United against Montego Bay United at Jarrett Park. Tru-Juice have lost just once in their debut Premier League campaign and boast one of the competition's best defensive records, having conceded only three goals. Two of those came in their defeat to Tivoli Gardens just over a month ago. Going forward, the combination of Tyrone Mullings, Daniel Roberts and Rodave Murray has been particularly effective, with the trio accounting for 13 of the team's 16 goals. Their attacking threat will provide a stern examination for the Portmore defence. Portmore, meanwhile, head into the contest on the back of a victory on Thursday, their second of the season, following a run of four consecutive draws. They remain unbeaten and will be eager to protect their home record while denting Tru-Juice's title ambitions. Montego Bay United have just managed to take two points from their last three games and have given up leads in all three games and will hope to get the better of a Molynes United team in transition later. Jourdain Fletcher and Dwight Merrick remain Montego Bay's leading scorers, but recent arrivals Devonte Campbell and Deonjaye Brown have also demonstrated their ability to contribute goals. Coach Javier Ainstein could also face a decision in goal, with Vino Barclett, who was expected to strengthen a defence that conceded more than 40 goals last season, having been partly responsible for the team's last four goals conceded. Molynes United, who finished just above the relegation zone in each of the last two seasons, occupy a similar position this campaign. With two wins and six defeats, Patrick has plenty of work ahead as he attempts to lift the team up the standings. Meanwhile, Mount Pleasant will celebrate the opening of their new home after previously playing their Premier League matches at Drax Hall. The former champions appear to be finding their rhythm after a difficult start and are unbeaten in their last five matches. A victory over Tivoli could see them climb above their opponents into fifth place. A fit-again Warner Brown has scored three goals, including the equaliser against Arnett Gardens on Thursday. Along with Daniel Green and Trayvon Reid, he will be expected to provide the attacking impetus against a Tivoli defence that has proved difficult to overcome. Tivoli, however, have earned their position in the top five through consistent performances, with veteran Leaunghn Williams and Ajuma Johnson among the players leading their charge. Last season's finalists Cavalier FC will also be looking to get their campaign back on track when they visit bottom-placed Humble Lion at Effortville Community Centre. Cavalier have endured a disappointing start and occupy ninth place on 10 points. They will be hoping to take advantage of a Humble Lion team that has struggled since returning to the top flight. Humble Lion, who spent last season in the JFF Championships before securing promotion, remain the only team without a victory and face another difficult assignment against a Cavalier side desperate for a response. In another important encounter, Treasure Beach FC and Dunbeholden FC will meet at the St Elizabeth Technical Sports Complex, with the teams separated by just one point in the lower half of the standings. Dunbeholden recorded their second victory of the season last weekend with a win over Humble Lion, while Treasure Beach will be encouraged by their most recent home performance, when they outscored Racing United. The St Elizabeth club will be hoping to reproduce that performance and make home advantage count once again. Sunday Games at 3:00pm: Humble Lion vs Cavalier FC — Effortville Montego Bay United vs Molynes United — Jarrett Park Mount Pleasant FA vs Tivoli Gardens FC — Mt Pleasant Portmore United vs Tru-Juice FC — Ferdie Neita Park Treasure Beach FC vs Dunbeholden FC — STETHS Monday’s Games at Anthony Spaulding Complex: Chapelton Maroons FC vs Racing United — 5:00pm Arnett Gardens FC vs Waterhouse FC — 8:00pm