Arnett Gardens took full advantage of an early red card to secure a 4-1 victory over Dunbeholden FC, cutting into Mount Pleasant FA’s lead at the top of the Jamaica Premier League standings on Thursday night. Meanwhile, Racing United continued their impressive run of form, storming into the top six after a convincing 3-0 win over Waterhouse FC at Drewsland.
Dunbeholden were down to 10 men from the sixth minute after Danian Binns received an early red card, putting them on the back foot from the outset. Arnett Gardens capitalized quickly, with Shai Smith opening the scoring in the 28th minute, continuing his good form after netting a last-gasp equalizer against Racing United on Monday.
Prolific striker Warner Brown doubled Arnett’s lead in the 48th minute, netting his 18th goal of the season to keep him firmly in the Golden Boot race. Dunbeholden found a late lifeline when substitute Nakeel Wright pulled a goal back in the 87th minute, but Arnett Gardens responded emphatically in stoppage time.
Fabian Reid restored the two-goal cushion in the 91st minute, before Jermy Nelson added another two minutes later, sealing an emphatic win for Arnett Gardens, who swept the season series against Dunbeholden with three victories in as many meetings.
Newly promoted Racing United extended their unbeaten streak to 12 games and moved into the JPL playoff spots with a dominant 3-0 win over Waterhouse FC.
Kadeen Young gave Racing United the lead in the 27th minute, before Nickyle Ellis doubled the advantage in the 64th minute. Damaine Smith then put the game to bed, scoring Racing’s third goal in the sixth minute of added time, ensuring his side leapfrogged Waterhouse into sixth place with 41 points—three ahead of their opponents.
Montego Bay United continued their strong season, securing a 2-1 win over Vere United at the Wembley Centre of Excellence, despite being reduced to 10 men for the final 30 minutes.
A fast start saw Jourdain Fletcher fire Montego Bay ahead in the fourth minute, and Johann Weatherly doubled their lead in the 38th minute, putting them in firm control. However, their momentum was halted in the 56th minute when defender Josiah Trimmingham was sent off, and Vere capitalized two minutes later as Tareek Magee found the net.
Despite being a man down, Montego Bay United held firm to secure the win, sweeping their season series against Vere United in the process.
In the final match of the night, Harbour View secured a much-needed 3-0 win over Chapelton Maroons, a side that had previously beaten them twice this season.
Rohan Brown scored a brace, netting in the 31st and 79th minutes, while Tryvone Reid added a second in the 65th minute, ensuring Harbour View moved further away from the relegation zone.
With Mount Pleasant still leading the standings, Arnett Gardens’ victory keeps the title race interesting, while Racing United’s surge into the top six has made the playoff picture even more intriguing. As the Jamaica Premier League season enters its crucial final stretch, every match becomes more vital in the battle for the championship and postseason places.