The race for the final playoff spots in the Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League is set to go down to the wire after a thrilling Sunday on Match Day 38. The second automatic semifinal spot and the sixth and final place in the playoffs are still very much up for grabs as teams battled for their position in the penultimate round of the regular season.

At the top of the table, Mobay United held on to second place, but only by a slim margin. With Arnett Gardens lurking just two points behind in third, the pressure was on as both teams fought for their coveted semifinal spot.

Mobay United Secure Crucial Win

Mobay United, playing at home against defending champions Cavalier, emerged victorious with a hard-fought 1-0 win at the Catherine Hall Sports Complex. The match saw former Cornwall College striker, Jourdaine Fletcher, become the hero, scoring the only goal of the game in the 55th minute. The win pushed Mobay United to 75 points, keeping them in second place—just two points clear of Arnett Gardens, who also had an impressive win of their own.

Arnett Gardens Keep the Pressure On

Arnett Gardens, who travelled to face Waterhouse, put on a determined performance, winning 2-0 thanks to a brace from Shai Smith in the 82nd and 89th minutes. The victory brought Arnett Gardens up to 73 points, and they will be hoping for a slip-up from Mobay United in the final week of the regular season. With the loss, Waterhouse, with 55 points, saw their post-season hopes take a significant blow. They dropped to 7th place, falling behind Tivoli Gardens, who moved into the sixth and final playoff spot after drawing 2-2 with Chapelton Maroons.

Tivoli Gardens Climb into Playoff Spot

Tivoli’s crucial draw against the Clarendon-based Chapelton team ensured they remained in the drivers seat heading into the final week of the regular season.

Harbour View Escape Relegation Zone

In another important fixture, Harbour View registered a resounding 6-0 victory over already-relegated Vere United. The win helped Harbour View move three points clear of the relegation zone, with Timar Lewis leading the charge, scoring twice in a one-sided contest. The Stars of the East now sit in 10th place with 36 points, a point behind Dunbeholden, who also picked up a vital 1-0 victory against fifth-placed Portmore United. Damion Binns’ goal in the 50th minute was enough to secure all three points for Dunbeholden.

Mount Pleasant Extend Lead at the Top

In other games, top-of-the-table Mount Pleasant continued their dominance, defeating Molynes United 3-0. A brace from Odean Pennycooke in the 14th minute, along with goals from Daniel Green in the 55th and Emerson Liasse in the 62nd, propelled Mount Pleasant to another comfortable win. They remain firmly in first place as the regular season draws to a close.

Racing United Stun Humble Lion

Racing United also enjoyed a dramatic victory, coming from behind to beat Humble Lion 2-1. Humble Lion had taken the lead in the 43rd minute through Stephen Barnett, but Racing United mounted a second-half comeback. Nickyle Ellis converted a penalty in the 81st minute, and Heron Headman struck in the dying moments (90+6) to seal the win for Racing United, who were posting their first win in 5 matches.