Former champions Arnett Gardens suffered a setback in their push for an automatic semifinal berth in the Jamaica Premier League playoffs, falling 2-1 to Portmore United on Sunday in a dramatic Match Day 36 encounter at the Ferdie Neita Park.
Portmore took the lead in the 28th minute through Cardel Benbow while Arnett Gardens responded just after the hour mark when Warner Brown, continuing his rich vein of form, converted from the penalty spot in the 60th minute. But Portmore were back in front almost immediately, as Ronaldo Robinson struck the eventual winner just a minute later, stunning the visitors.
The result sees Portmore United hold on to fourth place, improving to 63 points. Arnett Gardens, also known as the “Junglists,” remain third with 67 points, now two points adrift of second-placed Montego Bay United, who are in action Monday night.
Waterhouse Edge Humble Lion to Hold Final Playoff Spot
At the other end of the playoff race, Waterhouse kept their post-season hopes alive with a late 1-0 win over Humble Lion, thanks to an 79th-minute strike from Shamarie Dallas. The win moves Waterhouse to 52 points, just ahead of Tivoli Gardens, who also kept up the pressure with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win over Vere United.
National midfielder Tyreke Magee gave Vere an early lead in the 7th minute, but Tivoli responded with goals from Kimarley Smith in the 27th and Barrington Pryce in the 68th to secure all three points at the Wembley Centre of Excellence.
Cavalier Stage Comeback Against Harbour View
Defending champions Cavalier kept their title defense hopes alive with a spirited comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against Harbour View. Jalmaro Calvin was the hero, scoring twice in the 76th and deep into stoppage time (90+5) to rescue a point after the “Stars of the East” had taken a 2-0 halftime lead through Dejuan Green (17th) and Andre Fagan (45+2).
The draw leaves Cavalier in 5th place on 57 points, while Harbour View stay 10th on 33 points.
Molynes United Fight On in Relegation Battle
In the day’s other fixture, relegation-threatened Molynes United claimed a vital 1-0 win over Dunbeholden, with Nickache Murray scoring the decisive goal in the 7th minute. The win provides a lifeline as they continue their fight to avoid the drop, with goal difference separating them from 12th place Humble Lion with both teams on 32 points.
Monday Night Showdowns Set to Shape Playoff Picture
Match Day 36 concludes on Monday with two pivotal clashes at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex:
- Chapelton Maroons vs. Mount Pleasant (5:00 PM)
- Racing United vs. Montego Bay United (7:45 PM)
League leaders Mount Pleasant can become the first team to advance to the last four, while Montego Bay United can widen the gap over Arnett Gardens for the second automatic semifinal spot with a win.
